China Hiking Gear Guide: Equipment for China’s Trails

China’s hiking destinations range from subtropical forest trails at sea level to high-altitude plateau walks above 5,000 metres, with everything in between: the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, the granite peaks of Huangshan and Huashan, the volcanic crater lakes of Changbai Mountain, and the Himalayan approaches of eastern Tibet. Different environments require different gear — but there’s also a common base that works across most Chinese hiking destinations.

What to Bring from Home vs. Buy in China

International brands available in China: The major outdoor gear brands (The North Face, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Salomon, Merrell, Black Diamond, Osprey) are available in flagship stores in major cities and online on Taobao/JD. Prices are similar to or slightly higher than US/EU retail; the selection in stores is limited compared to home markets.

Chinese domestic brands (excellent quality):

• Kailas (凯乐石): The strongest domestic technical outdoor brand; jacket, trouser, and boot quality comparable to mid-tier international brands at lower prices. Well-stocked in outdoor equipment stores nationwide.
• Toread (探路者): Large Chinese outdoor brand; mass market positioning; good value for non-technical hiking.
• Camel (骆驼): Primarily footwear and casual outdoor; reliable quality at budget prices.
• Sanfo (三夫): Smaller brand with an enthusiast following; strong in packs and climbing equipment.

Best buys in China:

• Synthetic base layers (quality and price better than most international equivalents)
• Sun protection clothing (UPF-rated hiking shirts and pants are widely available and well-designed for Chinese hiking conditions)
• Trekking poles (domestic brands ¥80–¥250; equivalent to ¥150–¥600 imports)
• Cheap throwaway rain ponchos (¥5–20 at trail trailheads)

What to bring from home:

• Hiking boots (if you have fitted, broken-in boots; trying to fit properly in China is possible but Chinese boot sizing skews narrow and short)
• Technical insulation layers (down jackets, fleece midlayers)
• Headlamps (LED quality is excellent in China but brand variation makes buying in advance more reliable)

Gear by Hiking Type

Day Hiking (Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Guilin)

Essentials:

• Comfortable walking shoes (trail runners adequate for paved paths; trail shoes better for unpaved)
• Rain layer (subtropical mountains have afternoon thunderstorms May–September)
• Sun protection: hat, SPF clothing, sunscreen
• Water (1.5–2L per half-day hike)
• Snacks

What you don’t need: Technical equipment, crampons, sleeping bag, or anything beyond a day pack (20–25L).

Humidity note: China’s subtropical mountain trails (Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Wudang) are extraordinarily humid in summer. Cotton clothing is miserable; synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics are essential. Even wool can feel damp. Merino performs better than synthetics in all-day humidity.

Multi-Day Mountain Hiking (Wutai, Emei, Tiger Leaping Gorge)

Add to the above:

• 35–45L pack
• Sleeping bag (or confirmation that guesthouse bedding is provided; most Chinese mountain guesthouses provide bedding but quality varies)
• Camp towel
• Water purification (filter or tablets; mountain spring water is generally clean in China but not guaranteed)
• Navigation: download offline maps on Maps.Me or Gaia GPS before starting (cellular coverage on trails is inconsistent)

High-Altitude Hiking (Tibet, Sichuan, Yunnan over 3,500m)

Add for altitude:

• Layering system: base + midlayer + insulated jacket + shell
• Warm hat and gloves (summit temperatures can be below freezing any month of the year)
• Sunglasses with UV400 protection (altitude UV is intense)
• Altitude medication (Diamox/acetazolamide, 125–250mg twice daily; consult doctor before use; available by prescription in China as 乙酰唑胺)
• Pulse oximeter (¥80–150 in Chinese pharmacies; useful for monitoring saturation)

Snow and Winter Hiking

Additional:

• Microspikes or crampons for icy paths
• Gaiters for wet snow
• Waterproof outer layer rated for -10°C or lower
• Chemical hand warmers (freely available in convenience stores in northern China)

Trail Food

Chinese hiking culture has a strong snack tradition:

Standard trail snacks available at mountain base areas:

• Compressed energy bars (能量棒)
• Dried fruit and nut mixes (坚果)
• Instant noodle cups (泡面; you can usually get hot water at mountain guesthouses)
• Soy milk and fruit in small cartons

For day hikes: Carry 3–5 hours of snacks; caloric needs at altitude are 15–20% higher than at sea level.

Useful Chinese Phrases for Hiking

• “这条路去哪里?” (zhè tiáo lù qù nǎlǐ) — “Where does this trail go?”
• “还有多远?” (hái yǒu duō yuǎn) — “How much further?”
• “有旅馆吗?” (yǒu lǚguǎn ma) — “Is there a guesthouse?”
• “危险吗?” (wēixiǎn ma) — “Is it dangerous?”

Altitude Sickness Quick Reference

The single most important rule for hiking in China above 3,000m: ascend slowly, drink water, and don’t try to prove how fit you are on the first day at altitude. The mountains will still be there after you’ve acclimatised.