White River hike | Fording the White River
Crossing at one of the fords on the White River.

White River hike

Stay cool in summer with a hike that will get your feet wet, fording the river on this long and level canyon hike that passes beneath tall cliffs. Newly added Shunyi Pinnacle Plaza pickup

Level 3
3–4 hours of hiking over approx. 12km. (Can I do it?)


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Ford rivers on this long and level canyon hike in Miyun District, passing beneath tall cliffs and following the path of the river as it winds through the mountains. The area is relatively unpopulated, making this an excellent scenic hike that will fill your lungs with fresh air.

After an interesting drive through the mountains of Miyun, we'll pull up at a small scenic area that is the starting point of this hike. We'll follow the park trails down to the riverside, walking down through a forested canyon.

We'll be following the river as it winds through a deep and wide canyon with numerous forks and steep rocky cliffs, making this an extremely picturesque hike that is easy to finish as long as you don't mind getting your feet wet crossing the river.

By avoiding the commercial end of the river we also skip most of the stepping stones and bridges, so for most of the crossings it’s off with the shoes as we wade across. The water is usually neither deep nor fast, and will freeze over in winter.

At times, the trail leads us through trees, but for most of the walk we'll follow the course of the river. It’s flat the whole way, and the only thing that really makes this a long day is the need to take off our shoes at various crossings of the river.

Taking a break by the river
Taking a break by the river. (Click for larger image)

What’s to see?

A running river, impressive tall and steep cliffs made from massive slabs of rock and boulders, pine trees, grassy dried riverbed, geese and rocks reflected in pools of water.

We recommend that you bring a pair of sport-type sandals to protect your feet from rocks during river crossings. It’s possible to cross barefoot, but the bottom of the river is rocky and a bit hard on the feet. If the sandals you wear don't have straps to hold them to your feet, there's a good chance you'll lose them.

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