This may be the most beautiful hike I've done in China. The ticket is pricey, with no buses or cable cars included, but the scenery is so extraordinary I'd happily do it again.Catch the first shuttle at 6:40 (it leaves when full), register with your passport, and start up the quiet lower footpat. I saw only three hikers heading up. Once at the top, it's fairly flat to Beihai and Lion's Peak, where the "stone monkey viewing the sea of clouds" is a fantastic photo spot.The West Grand Canyon is the crown jewel. Even in rain, I loved every minute, photos can't capture its grandeur. From Tianhai, follow signs to Bright Summit, then Yuping Tower and down to Ciguang Pavilion. The descent is stunning: streams, waterfalls, and autumn colors everywhere. Skip the bus and take the 1.4 km path to the hot springs, quieter and rewarding, though slippery.It rained for all but 30 minutes of my 9-hour hike, yet visibility held beautifully, truly magical. It's endless steps so pace yourself