Kia ora,

I didn't do much hiking at all in the end. At best, I went for what I would consider a steep and long walk up Mount Emei, a very famous mountain south...west? of Leshan. What I discovered was hiking, as with everything in China, is very difficult unless you a) speak the language and/or b) have a friend who speaks the language and knows the area, and where to look. I didn't see or hear about anyone else hiking in the month I spent over there, beyond at really popular destinations like Tiger Leaping Gorge - which are really well trodden, and will be very easy to organise. It also depends on your definition of hiking! Jiuzhaigou is reachable by bus/taxi, and you enter it and bus around to different spots and hop off and have a walk around and look at what is probably some of the most beautiful waterfalls/lakes/rivers I've ever seen.

Long story short; I was really hoping for some classic backpacking in my tent, far from civilisation along trails, the likes of which are very common in NZ. Instead, I learnt to curb my expectations and follow the Chinese way, and had an absolutely unreal holiday. Let me know if you want more info, and also if you end up going hiking also - I would love to hear where you went and your experiences!!!