Ao-Tai

This route strides on the huge Qin Ling range of mountains that geographically cuts China into the south and the north. This range also separates the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, the biggest two rivers in China. Given its national importance, it seems that foreigners are not allowed to enter.

There are many “secrets” in the mountains, which remain myths. It has been partially validated by my wife, who used to live very close to the mountains. She was once hiking, and orders to evacuate suddenly came from hidden speakers, as she was in a military zone without any awareness.

Mt. Ao and Mt. Tai Bai are the two highest peaks in the range. The route in between (hence the name “Ao-Tai”) is extremely famous, partly because hikers die there every year. Yes, every year!

This route features the endless sea of huge rocks as the result of the Last Glacial Period. You hardly see a tree when climbing along the ridge of mountains, and the weather is VERY unpredictable.