Best Mountains in China Map & Overview

The China Mountains map show the location of 12 famous mountains on China Map. Let's start with some basic facts about these famous mountains in China.
Mountain | Location | Elevation (m) | Highlights | Accessibility |
---|---|---|---|---|
Huangshan (黄山) | Anhui Province | 1,864 | “Yellow Mountain” with sea of clouds | Tourists of all levels |
Tianzi Mountain (天子山) | Hunan (Zhangjiajie) | 1,262 | Pillar peaks, "Avatar" scenery | Easy for all |
Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) | Tibet/Nepal border | 8,848 | World's highest peak | Experts only (permits required) |
Mount Tai (泰山) | Shandong Province | 1,545 | Sacred Taoist mountain | Moderate fitness |
Mount Huashan (华山) | Shaanxi Province | 2,154 | “Deadliest hike” with plank paths | Fit hikers; not for beginners |
Mount Emei (峨眉山) | Sichuan Province | 3,099 | Buddhist holy site + wild monkeys | Moderate to strenuous |
Mount Wuyi (武夷山) | Fujian Province | 658 | UNESCO tea terraces + river gorges | Easy for all |
Jade Dragon Snow Mt (玉龙雪山) | Yunnan Province | 5,596 | Glaciers near Lijiang | Tourists (cable car to 4,506m) |
Tianmen Mountain (天门山) | Hunan (Zhangjiajie) | 1,519 | "Heaven's Gate" arch, glass skywalk | Moderate fitness |
Fanjing Mountain (梵净山) | Guizhou Province | 2,570 | UNESCO site, Buddhist "Maitreya Temple" | Moderate (steep stairs) |
Wudang Mountain (武当山) | Hubei Province | 1,612 | Taoist holy site, martial arts origin | Moderate (stairs) |
Wutai Mountain (五台山) | Shanxi Province | 3,061 (North Peak) | Sacred Buddhist mountain, 5 terraces | Easy to moderate |
Read on to learn the Fascinating Highlights & Suggested routes of 12 Mountains in China!
Or simply Contact Us to book your in-depth China Tour with most beautiful mountains in China!
#1. Huangshan Mountain - The Mystical Peaks of the Yellow Emperor
- Location: Southern Anhui Province, Eastern China
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-November) -when the weather is comfy and the views are postcard-perfect
- Tickets: Entry is 190 RMB. Cable cars cost 80-100 RMB one way (four lines available).
Huangshan Mountain (黄山), or the “Yellow Mountain,” is straight out of a Chinese ink painting. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain range is a dream come true for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers alike. It's the kind of place that makes you stop, stare, and maybe take way too many photos.


What makes it famous?
- Jagged granite peaks with names like “Celestial Capital”and “Beginning-to-Believe.”
- Ancient pine trees growing in gravity-defying ways.
- Sea of clouds that turns the mountains into a floating fairyland.
- Spectacular sunrises and sunsets that paint the skies with color.
Just 1.5-hour high-speed train from Hangzhou (300km) and 3 hours from Shanghai (500km), Huangshan is a perfect escape from bustling city into a world of misty peaks and poetic scenery.
Huangshan Mountain: How to Vist Yellow Mountain China (Map & Routes)
How to Plan A Hangzhou Huangshan Tour
How to Plan a Shanghai to Huangshan Tour? (2025 Itinerary)
Suggested Route from Huangshan City(2 Days):
Day 1:Enter via Yungu Cableway → Visit Beginning-to-Believe Peak → North Sea → Stay overnight at a mountain hotel
Day 2:Wake up early for sunrise at Bright Summit → Explore West Sea Grand Canyon → Descend via cable car or hike down
#2. Tianzi Mountain in Zhangjiajie The Real-Life ‘Avatar' World in the Sky
- Location: Northwestern Hunan Province, Central China
- Best Travel Time: April-June and September-October, great weather and clear views
- Tickets: Wulingyuan Scenic Area Pass (includes Tianzi Mountain): 225 RMB. 3 cable cars + 1 scenic elevator (60-80 RMB per ride)
Tianzi Mountain (天子山) in Wulingyuan National Park is Zhangjiajie's showstopper, a place where reality looks like fantasy. This is the place that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar, and when you see it for yourself, you'll totally understand why.


Picture this:
- Towering stone pillars shooting up from the forest, wrapped in clouds
- A sea of mist that turns the landscape into a dreamy, floating world
- Views that make every angle look like a movie poster
At an altitude of 1,260 meters (4,133 feet), Tianzi Mountain gives you sweeping views over Zhangjiajie's wild and wonderful sandstone spires, especially magical at sunrise or after the rain when the mist rolls in.
Wulingyuan National Park - Core Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie
Suggested Route from Wulingyuan Town(1 Day):
Wulingyuan Town → Shuttle Bus → Bailong Elevator → Yuanjiajie(Hallelujah Mountains) → Shuttle Bus → Tianzi Mountain → Cable Car → Wulingyuan Town
#3. Mount Everest - Roof of the World
- Location:On the border of Tibet (China) and Nepal
- Best Travel Time: April - June & September - November (clear skies and stunning views)
- Tickets: Everest Base Camp: 160 RMB; Sightseeing vehicle: 120 RMB
Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) is the tallest mountain on Earth - 8,848 meters of pure majesty. But you don't have to be a climber to feel its magic. From the Tibet side, you can get to Everest Base Camp (EBC) by overland and enjoy the jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped summit hassle-free.


What makes it a must-see in Tibet?
- The highest mountain in the world -Everest is literally next-level
- Golden sunrises and sunsets that light up the peak like a dream
- Epic Himalayan landscapes and starry night skies
- A journey across the Tibetan plateau full of prayer flags and local charm
It takes around 4 days round trip from Lhasa, and the drive is a highlight itself - think winding mountain roads, glacier views, and tiny villages along the way.
Everest Base Camp - Closest Spot to View Mount Everest in Tibet
Suggested Route from Lhasa (4 Days):
Day 1: Lhasa → Gyantse → Shigatse
Day 2: Shigatse → Rongbuk Monastery → Everest Base Camp
Day 3: EBC sunrise → return to Shigatse
Day 4: Shigatse → Lhasa
#4. Mount Tai - The Majestic Throne of Eastern Spirituality
- Location: Western part of Shandong Province in Eastern China
- Best Travel Time: Late spring to early autumn, especially April, May, September, and October for mild weather and gorgeous scenery
- Tickets: Entry: 115 RMB. Cable car: 100 RMB one way
Mount Tai (泰山) stands as a symbol of ancient Chinese grandeur and spiritual significance. As the easternmost of China's Five Great Mountains, it has been a sacred site for emperors, poets, and pilgrims for over 3,000 years.


What makes it special?
- Dai Temple -a massive complex at the base that's been around since the Han Dynasty
- Stone inscriptions and ancient steps -climb the same trails that emperors once ascended to “worship heaven”
- Breathtaking sunrise from Jade Emperor Peak -totally worth the early start or overnight stay
Just 66 km from Jinan and right next to the city of Tai'an, Mount Tai is super easy to reach and packs a mix of nature, culture, and legend into one epic climb.
Suggested Route from Jinan City(1 Day):
Jinan → Tianwai Village → shuttle bus → Zhongtianmen (Mid-Heaven Gate) → cable car → Nantianmen (South Heaven Gate) → Yuhuangding (Jade Emperor Peak)
#5. Mount Hua - Climb to Heaven (If You Dare!)
- Location:Eastern part of Shaanxi Province in Central China
- Best Travel Time:From April to October when the weather is generally clear and pleasant.
- Tickets:Entry is 160 RMB. West Peak Cable Car is140 RMB, North Peak Cable Car is 80 RMB.
Mount Hua (华山) is an adventure playground wrapped in Taoist mystique. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this legendary peak is part of China's Five Great Mountains and has long been a pilgrimage site.


What makes it unforgettable?
- The Plank Walk in the Sky: a heart-racing wooden walkway clinging to vertical cliffs. (Yes, it's real. Yes, there's a harness.)
- Sunrise from South Peak: where the clouds break and heaven seems close enough to touch.
- Ancient Taoist temples nestled in the rocks, where legends echo through the mountains.
Just 30-minute high speed train from Xi'an (120km), Mount Hua is a perfect day-trip destination.
Xi’an to Mount Huashan: 3 Best Ways to Get to Xi’an Hua Mountain 2025
Suggested Route from Xi'an City(1 Day):
Xian → Mount Hua Tourist Center → West Peak Cable Car → West Lake → South Peak → Plank Road in the Sky → East Peak → Middle Peak → West Peak → West Lake Cable Car
#6. Mount Emei The Sacred Wonderland of Buddhism
- Location:Southeastern Sichuan Province, about 160 km from Chengdu
- Best Travel Time: April to October — mild, green, and blooming
- Tickets:Entry: 160 RMB. Shuttle bus: 50 RMB. Cable car: 120 RMB
Mount Emei (峨眉山) is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, and it lives up to the hype. Think cloud-wrapped temples, golden sunrises, and playful monkeys swinging through ancient trees.


Top highlights include:
- Golden Summit: the crown jewel of Mount Emei. On clear days, you'll feel like you're standing above the clouds
- Giant Samantabhadra Statue (普贤菩萨金像): This 48-meter-high golden statue with ten heads and four faces sits atop the summit.
- Sunrise and Sunset Views: Sunrise is the big highlight, especially when the golden statue glows in the morning light.
- Hiking Trails and Stone Steps: If you're up for the challenge, hike up through forested paths, stone steps, waterfalls, and hidden temples.
Just 160 km from Chengdu, a 1.5-hour high-speed train or a 2-hour overland will take you there.
Mount Emei (Sichuan): 2 Ways to Explore Emeishan Mountain
Suggested Route from Chengdu City(2 Day):
Day 1: Chengdu → Leshan Giant Buddha → Emeishan → Baoguo Temple (base of Mount Emei)
Day 2: Baoguo Temple → Shuttle Bus → Leidongping → Hike or cable car to Golden Summit
#7. Wuyishan Mountain Bamboo Rafts, Misty Peaks & Tea Dreams
- Location: Northwestern Fujian Province, Southeast China
- Best Travel Time: April to October -spring and autumn have the best weather
- Tickets: Scenic area: 140 RMB. Nine Bend River bamboo rafting: 130 RMB
Wuyishan (武夷山) is the gentle beauty among China's famous mountains — no extreme cliffs or dizzying heights here. Instead, you'll find lush green hills, crystal-clear rivers, mysterious temples, and endless tea fields.


Top highlights include:
- Bamboo rafting on the Nine Bend River:glide through gorges while spotting rock carvings and rare birds
- Hiking to Tianyou Peak for postcard-perfect views
- Tasting world-famous Da Hong Pao tea at ancient plantations
- Exploring hanging temples and cliffside paths with centuries of history
Getting there is easy. Just 3-hour high-speed train from Xiamen or 1.5 hours from Fuzhou, you can make it a chill but enriching nature escape.
Wuyi Mountain: Wuyishan Attractions, Itineraries & Best Time
Suggested Route from Wuyishan Town(1 Day):
Wuyishan Town → Shuttle Bus → Tianyou Peak → Zhuxi Garden → Nine Bend Stream Pier → Bamboo Rafting → Wuyi Palace → Song Street
#8. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain The Glowing Dragon of Yunnan
- Location: Near Lijiang, Yunnan Province
- Best Time to Visit: November-April (clear weather and snowy peaks)
- Tickets:Entry: 100 RMB; Cable cars: 60-140 RMB (three different lines)
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) looks like a dragon lying in the clouds - and it's just as magical as it sounds. With 13 snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and nearby Naxi villages, this mountain near Lijiang is a feast for the eyes and soul.


What makes it famous?
- The highest peak, Shanzidou, soaring at 5,596 meters
- The dreamy Blue Moon Valley with turquoise waters
- Stunning glacier park and sky-high cable car rides
- Naxi minority culture and traditional villages nearby
You don't need to hike to enjoy the views, just hop on a cable car, breathe in the cool air, and snap away. It's a quick day trip from Lijiang but feels like entering another world.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Lijiang 2025: Cable Cars, Maps & Attractions
Suggested Route from Lijiang (1 Day):
Morning: Arrive at scenic area → Take Glacier Park Cable Car → Visit Glacier Park at high altitude
Afternoon: Explore Blue Moon Valley → Watch local Naxi performances → Return to Lijiang
#9. Tianmen Mountain The Heaven's Gate Above Zhangjiajie
- Location: Zhangjiajie City, Northwestern Hunan Province
- Best Time to Visit: April-October -great visibility and mild weather
- Tickets:Entry (including cable car or shuttle): around 258 RMB
Tianmen Mountain (天门山), or "Heaven's Gate Mountain," is a jaw-dropping mix of nature and thrill in Zhangjiajie. It's known for the world's longest cable car and a massive natural rock arch at the top.


What makes it famous?
- The 99-bend mountain road -a crazy twisty ride up
- The glass skywalk on the cliff's edge
- The natural Tianmen Cave -a hole in the mountain that looks like a gate to heaven
- Panoramic views of Zhangjiajie city below
It's right in downtown Zhangjiajie, so it's super easy to visit - just grab a ticket and hop on the asia's longgest cable car that lifts you 7 km to the top.
Tianmen Mountain: Tianmen Mountain National Park in Zhangjiajie
Suggested Route (1 Day):
Start at Tianmen Cableway Station → Ride the cable car or shuttle + escalators to the summit → Walk the Skywalk → Tianmen Cave → Back to Zhangjiajie
#10. Fanjing Mountain A Sacred Peak Above the Clouds
- Location: Tongren, Eastern Guizhou Province
- Best Time to Visit: April-November -fresh air, green valleys, and dreamy cloud seas
- Tickets: Entry: 110 RMB Shuttle bus: 20 RMB · Cable car: 120 RMB (one-way)
Fanjing Mountain (梵净山) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's newest sacred Buddhist peaks. It's famous for its wild beauty, unique rock formations, and temples that seem to float in the sky.


What makes it famous?
- Red Cloud Golden Summit- two cliff-top temples linked by a narrow bridge
- Mushroom Stone - A unique, naturally formed rock resembling a giant mushroom
- Rare wildlife like the golden monkey and dove tree
It's reachable via 2-hour high-speed train to Tongren from Guiyang, followed by a bus or private car to the base of the mountain.
Fanjing Mountain: Hiking to Fanjingshan Temples on Mount Fanjing
Suggested Route from Tongren (1 Day):
Tongren → bus → East Gate (Base) → shuttle bus + cable car → Chengen Temple → Climb Red Cloud Golden Summit → Climb Mushroom Stone, Old Summit → Back to Base
#11. Wutai Mountain The Divine Peaks of Wisdom
- Location: Shanxi Province, Northern China
- Best Time to Visit: May-August -cool weather, green hills, peaceful temples
- Tickets: Entry: 135 RMB
Wutai Mountain (五台山) is one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, known as the home of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Its name means “Five Terraces” - five flat peaks each crowned with ancient temples.


What makes it famous?
- UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 50 Buddhist temples
- Pilgrimage site with deep spiritual vibes
- Cool summers and misty mountain trails
- A mix of ancient architecture and natural calm
Just 240 km from Taiyuan (about 4 hours by car or train), it's a peaceful 1-2-day escape for both the faithful and the curious.
Suggested Route from Taiyuan (2 Days):
Day 1: Taiyuan → Wutai Town → Visit Tayuan Temple and Xiantong Temple
Day 2: Climb up to Dailuo Peak or explore the North Terrace → Return to Taiyuan
#12. Wudang Mountain - Taoist Legends and Cloud-Kissing Temples
- Location: Northwestern Hubei Province
- Best Time to Visit: April-October -warm air, lush forests, fewer mists
- Tickets:Entry: 130 RMB; Shuttle bus: 105 RMB; Cable car: 90 RMB (one-way)
Wudang Mountain (武当山) is the holy land of Taoism and the birthplace of Wudang martial arts, where nature and philosophy flow together like yin and yang.


What makes it famous?
- Stunning Taoist temples like Purple Cloud Temple and Nanyan Temple
- Mythical roots of tai chi and Taoist meditation
- Beautiful cliffside buildings that blend into the mountain
- Hiking trails with sweeping views and ancient paths
About 2-3 hours by high-speed train from Wuhan, it's the perfect spot to reconnect with your inner balance.
Suggested Route from Wuhan (2 Days):
Day 1: Arrive at Wudang → Take shuttle + cable car → Explore Golden Summit
Day 2: Visit Nanyan Temple, Purple Cloud Temple → Learn Taoist culture → Head back
Explore China from Whole New Perspectives with AOT
Asia Odyssey Travel is your gateway to China. We're headquartered in China, with local teams in major cities. Our mission? To provide the best service and authentic travel experiences for explorers like you.


AOT offers a range of Tailor-Made Trips, City Trips, Nature Tours, Bike Tours, Trekking Tours, Family Tours, and Lhasa Luxury Tours with professional local team and on-spot service all the way. We cover all the top places in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tibet, Hong Kong, etc..
Explore China from whole new perspectives with Asia Odyssey Travel. Brace yourself for the ultimate holiday adventure. Ready to start your Grand China Tour? Contact us now!