China’s mountain ranges mapped for travellers
China hosts the world’s highest peaks in Tibet, glacier-capped ranges in Xinjiang, karst pillars in Hunan, and granite seas in Anhui. Understanding where the mountains sit helps you plan altitudes, permits, and transport.
8,848.86 m
Mount Everest (Qomolangma), Tibet–Nepal border.
8,611 m
K2 (Qogir) on the Xinjiang–Pakistan border in the Karakoram.
≈24
Major belts include Himalaya, Kunlun, Tianshan, Hengduan, Qinling, Wuyi, Taihang.
12
Including Huangshan, Wulingyuan (Zhangjiajie), Wuyi Mountains, Emei, and Wutai.
The ranges you’ll hear about most
These mountain systems define China’s geography, climate, and road trips. Use the quick notes below to choose your next expedition base.
Himalayas
Straddle Tibet, Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Home to Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma. Base from Lhasa; onward travel to Shigatse/Tingri requires arranged tours and permits.
Kunlun & Qilian
North edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Remote high-altitude deserts, salt lakes, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway corridor near Xining and Lanzhou.
Tianshan
Xinjiang’s sky mountains. Features Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and ski resorts near Ürümqi and Altay Prefecture (seasonal flights).
Hengduan
Parallel ranges in western Sichuan and northern Yunnan. Base yourself in Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Lijiang, or the Deqin/Shangri-La area.
Qinling
The climatic divide between north and south China. Day hikes from Xi’an to Huashan’s knife-edge ridges.
Granite & karst icons
Huangshan (Anhui), Zhangjiajie (Hunan), Guilin karst, Wuyi Mountains (Fujian/Jiangxi border).
| Range / peak | Elevation | Base city | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Everest (Himalaya) | 8,848.86 m | Lhasa · Shigatse (Tibet) | North Base Camp road, Rongbuk Monastery, best April–May / Sep–Oct. |
| K2 / Qogir (Karakoram) | 8,611 m | Ürümqi · Kashgar (Xinjiang) | Karakoram Highway expeditions, requires special permits. |
| Mount Gongga (Hengduan) | 7,556 m | Chengdu, Sichuan | “King of Sichuan mountains”, trekking via Kangding and Hailuogou Glacier. |
| Mount Siguniang (Hengduan) | 6,250 m | Chengdu, Sichuan | Accessible alpine valleys (Shuangqiao, Changping, Haizi); 2–3 day climbs. |
| Huangshan | 1,864 m | Huangshan City, Anhui | Granite peaks, sea-of-clouds, UNESCO World Heritage, cable cars year-round. |
| Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain | 5,596 m | Lijiang, Yunnan | Glacier park with cable cars; acclimatise first. |
| Mount Tai | 1,545 m | Tai’an, Shandong | Five Great Mountains site, imperial sunrise pilgrimage. |
Altitude planning and permits
High mountains demand preparation—altitude sickness, transport reliability, and permissions vary by province.
Acclimatisation
Anything above 3,000 m needs staged ascent. Spend nights in Lhasa or Chengdu before heading higher.
Permits
Tibet requires a tour operator, Everest North Base Camp needs Aliens’ Travel Permit. Xinjiang border zones may require local registration.
Transport
Expect long drives on mountain roads; winter closures affect Sichuan–Tibet Highway, Qinghai–Tibet sections.
Pin the peaks and staging cities
Click each marker for altitude, best season, and the city you should base in.
Legend
- High-altitude (5,500 m+)
- Sightseeing classics (1,500–5,000 m)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to trek in Tibet?
April–May and September–October give the clearest skies. Summer is the monsoon; winter brings road closures outside Lhasa.
Do I need oxygen for high-altitude trips?
Not usually for base camp sightseeing, but acclimatise properly. Carry acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting a doctor.
Which mountains are easiest for beginners?
Huangshan, Zhangjiajie, Emei, Wuyi, and Mount Tai have cable cars, paved trails, and nearby hotels.
Can I ski in China?
Yes—try Tianshan’s Altay powder fields, Chongli resorts near Beijing (2022 Winter Olympics legacy), or Yabuli in Heilongjiang.
Plan your mountain routes
Combine mountains with rail, visas, and cultural stops.
- How big is China? — gauge distances across ranges.
- Province guide — map mountains to administrative rules.
- City tier guide — pick staging cities with direct flights.
- Lhasa city playbook — acclimatisation tips for Tibet.