Neng Gao An Dong Jun & Qilai Nanhua Route D1 Waypoint
25 Nov 2025 28 waypoints 40 photos 23.05 km
D1 Itinerary
From the Tunyuan Trailhead, the trail runs under tree cover, climbing gently in switchbacks; around 4.5K you can rest at Yunhai Line Station. Continuing on to the 5.6K big landslide wall, I'd suggest putting on a climbing helmet and moving along the rock face to get through. Since today's route to Tianchi Cabin is only 13K, and there are quite a few small running-water spots along the way, you don't need to carry much water before reaching Tianchi on day one. Continuing on to 10K, there's a second big landslide wall — again just put on your helmet and move quickly along the rock face. At Waypoint 18, to the left of the suspension bridge, there's a sign for 'Nenggao Waterfall'; a short descent through arrow bamboo to the left of the sign brings you to the waterfall marked at Waypoint 16. The spring water here is clear and the scenery is beautiful, a good spot for photos and a rest. Back at the suspension bridge, continue on a bit further, and past around 13K you'll see Tianchi Cabin, where we camp tonight.
Qilai South Peak
After a short break at Tianchi Cabin, switch to a summit pack and set out for Qilai South Peak; the trailhead is at Waypoint 20, near the 13K marker. A gentle climb along the forest road for about half an hour brings you to the Tianchi junction, where you emerge onto a broad plain and the view opens right up. Since Qilai South Peak is steeper, I decided to tackle it first, heading north, before going on to Nanhua Mountain. From the Tianchi junction toward Qilai South Peak, you first pass a false peak and descend, then there are two routes back up — a relatively steep one and a switchback one. I've done both; if you have the stamina, going straight up and down saves some time and isn't too difficult.
Nanhua Mountain
Coming down from Qilai South Peak, retrace your steps to the Tianchi junction and head south toward Nanhua Mountain. Before starting the climb, note that there are two paths — one along the higher ridge, and one contouring around. Hikers can decide which to take based on the weather and wind at the time; the wind on the ridge is strong in late autumn, so if you take the ridge route, protect your head from the cold. If you have no particular reason to take the ridge, the contour route up works just as well. The route on Nanhua Mountain is simple and clear — just follow it to the end to reach the triangulation point; the only choice is between the contour route or the steep ridge climb.
From Nanhua Mountain, retrace your steps back to the Tianchi junction, then follow the Nanhua Mountain trail back to the trailhead near 13K, and back to Tianchi Cabin to rest, wrapping up day one.
Trail Log
01 Tunyuan Trailhead
3,389 m2,185↓50 min 1.93 km ↑335 m
02 Motorbike
3,389 m2,185↓33 min 1.50 km ↑23 m ↓216 m
03 Water source
3,389 m2,185↓16 min 1.10 km ↑46 m
04 Continue toward Yunhai Line Station
3,389 m2,185↓3 min 70 m
05 Suspension bridge
3,389 m2,185↓7 min 310 m
06 Fuyun Temple
3,389 m2,185↓3 min 140 m
07 Yunhai Line Station
3,389 m2,185↓52 min 1.45 km ↑99 m ↓40 m
08 5.6K big landslide wall
3,389 m2,185↓4 min 200 m ↓10 m
09 Water source
3,389 m2,185↓12 min 740 m ↑20 m
10 Water drip
3,389 m2,185↓3 min 200 m ↑21 m
11 Water source
3,389 m2,185↓23 min 1.24 km ↑146 m
12 Charcoal kiln ruins
3,389 m2,185↓36 min 2.04 km ↑177 m
13 10K big landslide wall
3,389 m2,185↓43 min 2.53 km ↑108 m ↓10 m
14 Suspension bridge
3,389 m2,185↓4 min 170 m
15 Water source
3,389 m2,185↓7 min 230 m
16 Nenggao WaterfallMentioned in text
3,389 m2,185↓4 min 60 m ↑11 m
17 Left of the sign, a small trail descends through arrow bamboo
3,389 m2,185↓10 m
18 Suspension bridgeMentioned in text
3,389 m2,185↓9 min 390 m ↑21 m ↓16 m
19 Tianchi Cabin
3,389 m2,185↓1 h 0 min 100 m ↑23 m
20 Toward Qilai South PeakMentioned in text
3,389 m2,185↓23 min 680 m ↑179 m
21 Rest Platform
3,389 m2,185↓9 min 310 m ↑36 m
22 Tianchi Pond
3,389 m2,185↓1 min 0 m
23 Continue toward Qilai South Peak
3,389 m2,185↓13 min 690 m ↑16 m
24 Continue toward Qilai South Peak
3,389 m2,185↓5 min 0 m
25 Water source
3,389 m2,185↓5 min 710 m ↑42 m ↓13 m
26 Pond
3,389 m2,185↓35 min 950 m ↑222 m
27 Qilai South Peak Triangulation Point
3,389 m2,185↓1 h 33 min 3.13 km ↑136 m ↓307 m
28 Nanhua Mountain Triangulation Point
3,389 m2,185
↓46 min 2.57 km ↓326 m
End of record16:28 2860 m 23.05 km Tianchi Cabin
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