THIS year, celebrity restaurants, high-end hotels and other five-star luxuries that occupied last-year’s WeChat Moments seem to have quietly faded away. Instead, hitting the road and camping at different places has come into fashion.

    With the pandemic, more and more tourists, who have more desire to get outdoors, are opting to experience something different and choose to unlock their travel dreams by planning a camping trip. Lying under the starry sky, enjoying a picnic at the lakeside, listening to the natural melodies performed by birds and other wildlife … this is no doubt one of the best options for leaving behind the bustling city life and emptying oneself of the hassles of daily routines.

    But where to go? In this article, we will continue to introduce the most scenic places to camp across China.

    ABC Camping Village, Zhejiang

    ABC Camping Village is located at the Zitong Valley, Qiandao Lake, in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The valley is like a thin long belt of nature, hidden among the winding mountain paths.

    The campsite is only a two hours’ drive from the downtown area of Hangzhou, so you can easily drive there any Friday after work.

    With subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, fresh air and curative sunshine, Zitong Valley immediately takes one into the wonderful world of nature.

    The tents used on the campsite are either adventure tipi tents manufactured by Tentipi or tents manufactured by the American brand Springbar, both are popular brands among camping enthusiasts.

    Even on rainy days you can enjoy camping here, as there are wood stands of different heights, which can ensure a warm and comfortable stay in the wet days. 

    Phase I of the campsite is for automobile camping and tent camping and also provides an equipment renting service.

    There is one trekking route on the campsite where you may encounter strange and rare plants and birds that you seldom see.

    Haba Snow Mountain 

    campsite, Yunnan

    When people talk about Yunnan, they always think about some popular Internet celebrity hotels. However, if you want to travel deep into the mountains to explore this mysterious land in Southwest China, the best way is to sleep there, deep in the mountains.

    The campsite of Haba Snow Mountain is located in southeastern Shangri-La County in Yunnan. The mountain rises to 5,396 meters above sea level, making it one of the tallest peaks in the province.

    Haba Snow Mountain rises above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge and is located opposite the higher Yulong Snow Mountain. It is covered with snow year-round, but is relatively easy to ascend, making Haba a popular destination for both amateur and professional climbers.

    The campsite maintains its primitive environment, and ethnic minorities still live here. It provides all kinds of camping equipment and bathrooms, outdoor kitchens and electric generators, making it convenient for camping.

    In addition, you can enjoy horse riding while appreciating the snow mountains, forests, streams and yaks. You can also visit the pasture and try making buttered tea with the locals .

    Zhaxi Pasture, Yunnan

    Wake up to the sunrise on the grassland, and then practice yoga with a peaceful mind while watching animals foraging around on the grassland in front of your window …Perhaps you will experience the illusion of entering the movie scene of “The Lion King.”

    In recent years, many hotels have settled down in Shangri-La and the area near Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan. However, the Zhaxi Pasture, 50 kilometers from Shangri-La, is still an unexplored wonderland on Earth. For around 200 yuan (US$31) you can take a taxi from Diqing Shangri-La Airport to Zhaxi Pasture.

    Self-driving is also a nice option, as there is much to see on the road. An SUV is recommended. If you enjoy high-altitude trekking, you can try to traverse the forest and meadow at an altitude of over 3,500 meters.

    Tourists who prefer to stay in one place and enjoy the tranquility of nature can also walk a few minutes to the lake and enjoy fishing. You can join local herdsmen to pick wild mushrooms and flowers.

    Farther away, only one hour’s drive and you will reach Dukezong Ancient Town, Pudacuo National Park and the Gedan Songzanlin Monastery.

    (Chen Xiaochun)