From Classrooms to Clifftops: The Best Hikes for TEFL Teachers in China

Teaching English in China isn’t just about cultural immersion and career development—it’s a gateway to one of the most geographically diverse countries on Earth. From misty mountains and sacred peaks to dramatic river valleys and historic trails, China offers an incredible range of hikes for every kind of adventurer.

If you’re headed to China for a MyTEFL job placement, don’t forget to pack your walking shoes. Whether you’re working in a bustling metropolis like Beijing or a smaller city in Sichuan, unforgettable hikes are never far away. Here’s a guide to some of the best trails to explore during your downtime while teaching in China.

1. The Great Wall – Hike History One Step at a Time

Let’s start with the obvious: you can’t live in China and not hike the Great Wall. While the popular Badaling section is convenient, it’s also crowded. For a more authentic experience, head to the Jiankou, Jinshanling, or Simatai sections—parts of the wall that are partially unrestored and much less touristy.

Location: Northern China, near Beijing
Level: Moderate to Difficult (depending on the section)
Why Go: Few hikes in the world combine physical challenge, ancient architecture, and breathtaking views like this one. Great for weekend getaways from teaching jobs in or near Beijing.

2. Tiger Leaping Gorge – Deep in the Heart of Yunnan

Located in southwestern China, this dramatic canyon carved by the Jinsha River is one of the deepest in the world. The Tiger Leaping Gorge trail takes you along high cliffs, past waterfalls, and through charming guesthouse villages where you can spend the night. It’s a multi-day hike that’s perfect for school holidays.

Location: Yunnan Province
Distance: ~22 km (13 miles) over 2–3 days
Level: Moderate
Why Go: One of China’s most scenic and rewarding hikes, with the chance to meet fellow travelers and explore rural Yunnan.

3. Mount Hua (Huashan) – The World’s Most Dangerous Hike?

If you’re teaching near Xi’an or in central China, a trip to Mount Hua is a must. Famous for its sheer cliffs and dizzying plank walks bolted to the side of the mountain, this hike isn’t for the faint-hearted. You can hike up one of the steep staircases or take a cable car and walk the trails that connect the mountain’s five peaks.

Location: Shaanxi Province, near Xi’an
Distance: Varies by route
Level: Challenging
Why Go: Adrenaline, breathtaking views, and one of the most unique hiking experiences you’ll ever have.

4. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Avatar in Real Life

If you’ve seen the movie Avatar, you’ve seen the landscape that inspired it. The towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie look almost otherworldly, and the park’s trail network takes you through dense forests, up glass elevators, and across dizzying skywalks.

Location: Hunan Province
Level: Easy to Moderate (with lots of stairs)
Why Go: Epic views, fantastical rock formations, and well-maintained paths—plus, great photo ops for your TEFL travel blog or Instagram.

5. Emei Shan – Hike One of China’s Sacred Mountains

One of China’s Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, Emei Shan offers a more spiritual kind of adventure. Hike through mist-shrouded forests, encounter wild monkeys, and stop at ancient temples on your way to the summit. You can make it a full two-day hike or take buses and cable cars partway up.

Location: Sichuan Province
Distance: ~50 km total (if hiking from base to summit)
Level: Moderate to Challenging
Why Go: A blend of cultural, spiritual, and natural beauty—ideal for a long weekend if you’re teaching in Chengdu or southwestern China.

6. The Longji Rice Terraces – A Stairway Through the Hills

Also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, this network of trails winds through picturesque rice fields and small minority villages in Guangxi Province. Hike between villages like Ping’an, Dazhai, and Tiantouzhai for an immersive rural experience.

Location: Guangxi Province
Distance: Varies by route (2–15 km)
Level: Easy to Moderate
Why Go: A peaceful, visually stunning escape from city life. Perfect for teachers placed in southern China.

7. Yading Nature Reserve – Tibet Without the Permit

Tucked away in western Sichuan, Yading is often referred to as “the last Shangri-La.” With turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and high-altitude meadows, this protected area offers some of China’s most awe-inspiring alpine hikes.

Location: Daocheng County, Sichuan
Level: Moderate to Challenging (due to altitude)
Why Go: A less-traveled gem for serious hikers, perfect for longer holidays or adventurous souls teaching in western China.

Quick Tips for Hiking in China as a TEFL Teacher

• Plan Around Holidays: Use school breaks and national holidays (like Golden Week or Spring Festival) for multi-day hikes.
• Language Barriers: Download offline maps and translation apps like Deepl. Rural areas may have limited English support.
• Dress Accordingly: Weather can vary wildly by region and elevation layers are your best friend.
• Public Transport: Trains and buses are well-connected, but some remote hikes may require private transfers or tour groups.
• Respect Local Customs: Especially in ethnic minority regions or sacred sites, be mindful of cultural etiquette.

Turn Your TEFL Adventure into a Hiking Odyssey

One of the best things about teaching English in China is that it puts you in the perfect position to explore a country that is both vast and diverse. Whether you’re unwinding on a gentle weekend trail or tackling an epic summit during school break, China’s hiking culture offers something for every teacher-adventurer.

So as you pack your TEFL essentials, don’t forget your boots. The classroom may be your workplace but the mountains, rivers, and trails of China are where you’ll find your most unforgettable lessons.

Thinking about teaching in China?
Explore our TEFL courses and job placements across the country, and start your journey toward a career and lifestyle filled with adventure.