BEST PARAGLIDING SITES IN CHINA

Ningbo Cixi Fulongshan 宁波慈溪伏龙山起飞场

This paragliding site in mainland China has an elevation of 187 meters. It is frequently used and is known for its excellent soaring conditions, making it suitable for small cross-country flights. The area has recorded 113 nearby flights and has a site record of 4.1 kilometers. For more detailed information, you can visit local paragliding community websites or forums.

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Yibin Hu brother 宜宾胡哥3号起飞场

Altitude: 578 meters This site is frequently used and is known for its excellent soaring conditions. It also offers opportunities for some cross-country (XC) flying. Region: Mainland China Nearby flight records: 55 Site record distance: 8.9 km For more information, please visit the local paragliding community websites or forums.

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ChonAryk

The takeoff altitude is 1370 meters with a height difference of approximately 450 meters. There are currently no flight logs available for this location. For more information, please visit [Fly KG](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).

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Kashka Suu Kaska-Suu

This launch site is particularly convenient in the winter when other sites are still inaccessible. You can take a chair lift to the top of the mountain, where there is enough space for four or five wings. The launch is relatively straightforward. Once airborne, you can fly above a small ridge that runs perpendicular to the westerly wind. Thermals are almost always present, even in winter, allowing you to climb higher. This site is close to a glacier, and you can ascend more than 1000 meters above the launch point. From this altitude, you can fly a beautiful route over the plateau to Tysache. The best direction to fly from this site is to the east, taking advantage of the common westerly wind at your back. Kash Kasu is a flying site located about 35 km south of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Locals mainly fly here in late winter and spring, as it becomes very thermic from mid-May onwards. The site faces north/northeast. The launch point is at an elevation of 2258 meters, right next to the top station of the chair lift. The landing area is a sloped meadow above the valley station at 1925 meters, which is of medium difficulty. There is a second landing area on the extensive meadows at the foot of the mountain range near the village of Kah Kasu at 1398 meters. This flying site allows for extensive cross-country flights to the west and east along the northern slopes of the Tian Shan mountain range. For more information about the flying site, visit: [Fly Kyrgyzstan](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/) [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com)

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Chengdu-Spirit Mountain JiuLong 1337 m

Altitude: 1324 meters This site is regularly used and offers some potential for cross-country (XC) flights. Region: Mainland China Nearby flight records: 65 Site record: 10.9 km Region: Mainland China Nearby flight records: 20 Site record: 6.9 km Region: MianZhu, SiChuan - China Nearby flight records: 1 Site record: 3.9 km More information: [FlyPlus](http://www.flyplus.net) Take off: For more details, please visit the provided link.

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Xinjiang Kanas Lake Kanasi National Park 新疆喀纳斯湖

At an elevation of 1850 meters, this paragliding site is frequently used and offers the possibility for cross-country (XC) flights. The scenery is beautiful, making it a popular choice among paragliders. Located in mainland China, you can view nearby flight records and explore more about this site. The site has a recorded distance of 19.5 km for flights. For more detailed information, you can visit the following link: [Link to more information]

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Ala-Too

The takeoff altitude is 1460 meters with a height difference of approximately 450 meters. Unfortunately, there are no flight logs available for this location. For more information, you can visit [Fly KG](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/).

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Quanzhou Zimao Mountain 泉州紫帽山又称对山

Located in the Qzzms region of mainland China, Zimushan (also known as Duishan) offers a paragliding site with an elevation of 349 meters. This site is occasionally used for thermal soaring, providing opportunities for pilots to experience the uplifting air currents. The mountain range runs east to west, and you can drive almost to the summit, which stands at over 500 meters above sea level. The take-off area is situated at the western end of the mountain range, at an elevation of over 400 meters. For more detailed information and to view nearby flight records, you can visit the following link: [Paracn Forum](http://www.paracn.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=13587&extra=page%3D1).

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Chon-Tash 200

The Chon-Tash launch site, also known as Chon Tash 200, is situated at an elevation of approximately 1500 meters, with a height difference of 200 meters above the valley. The launch direction is primarily Northeast, making it suitable for North and North-West winds. This site is easily accessible by most cars and is a popular spot for paragliding in Kyrgyzstan, though many flights are not logged. The Chui Valley, located to the north of the Kyrgyz Range, is home to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Thermals in this region start in April and last until the end of September, providing excellent conditions for cross-country (XC) flights. Pilots can embark on extensive XC flights along the Kyrgyz Range, covering distances of over 100 kilometers and crossing multiple valleys and ridges. Key takeoff points in the region include Tysacha (2270 meters), Chon-Tash (approximately 1500 meters), and Jylamish (1270 meters). The upper valley south of Bishkek, separated from the Chui Valley by a chain of hills, offers favorable thermalling conditions due to its unique geography, with a width of 10 kilometers and a length of 30 kilometers. From the Tysacha takeoff, pilots can achieve more than 1000 meters of altitude above the valley, enabling interesting XC flights. The Jylamish takeoff, located on a hill almost within the valley, is another excellent spot for flying over flatlands. For more information, visit: - [Fly.kg](http://www.fly.kg/index.php/en/) - [YouTube Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg1WLp9eH_8) - [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com)

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Shanxi Datong volcano park 山西大同火山公园

The takeoff altitude is 1272 meters with a height difference of 100 meters. This site is known for its excellent soaring conditions and serves as a great playground for paragliders. It is located in mainland China. For more information and to view nearby flight records, you can visit the following link: [查看附近的飞行记录](#).

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Shaanxi - Xianyang - Chunhua - fish Kurumayama 陕西-咸阳-淳化-鱼车山

At an elevation of 981 meters, this paragliding site is regularly used and offers excellent conditions for soaring. It is suitable for small cross-country flights, and top landing is generally straightforward. For more details, you can check out these flight records: [Flight Record 1](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=1166) [Flight Record 2](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=1164) This site is located in mainland China. You can view nearby flight records and additional information through the provided links.

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The crazy pig Ridge - Zhangjiakou Chongli County magpie beam 疯猪岭-张家口崇礼县喜鹊梁

Located at an elevation of 1943 meters, this paragliding site is occasionally used and is part of a ski resort. The region is Hebei Province in mainland China. The take-off area is situated at a higher elevation of 1989 meters and is suitable for launching in any wind direction, making it a versatile and appealing spot for paragliders. For more information and to view nearby flight records, you can explore the site records which cover a distance of 15.6 km.

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Karakol

Karakol ski resort in Karakol is an excellent choice for foreign paragliders looking for a hassle-free flying experience. The resort offers comfortable chalet accommodations with good meals, and you can arrange with the administration for a vehicle to take you to the launch site. The site is regularly used, though not heavily logged by many pilots, making it a great spot for cross-country (XC) flying. The ski infrastructure, including lifts, adds to the convenience. The ranges above the lake benefit from the moderating effect of the large body of water, resulting in wetter conditions. Cumulous clouds typically form in long lines above the peaks by mid-morning. The weather pattern is complex and varied, cycling between clear sunny skies and dark rain clouds every four hours. This means that even the darkest, wettest morning can turn beautiful by noon, so it's best not to wait until it starts raining to launch. Exploring potential sites in the nearby Terskey Alatau Range, it was found that horses generally work better than four-wheel drives in the mountains. The national park outside of Karakol offers a convergence ridge with abundant thermals, although it comes with a hefty park entrance fee. The weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for sudden changes. For more information, you can visit the following link: [Adventure Tour Productions](http://www.adventuretourproductions.com/index.php/The-Celestial-Tien-Shan-of-Kyrgystan/the-celestial-tien-shan-of-kyrgystan.html). The Karakol flying site is located approximately 15 km south of the city of Karakol, in the far east of Kyrgyzstan. The Issyk-Kul Lake and the snow-covered Tian Shan mountain range provide a stunning backdrop for flights throughout the year. For more details on the flying site, including images and accommodation options, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).

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Guanping

The take-off altitude is approximately 1250 meters. This site is rarely used, but it offers the possibility for small cross-country flights. For more details, you can check out this flight log: [Flight Log](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=473).

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Linzhou Linlǜ Mountain 林州起飞场

Linzhou, located in Henan, China, is the country's most popular paragliding site. Situated on the east side of Mt. Taihang near Anyang, approximately 600km south of Beijing, this site offers excellent cross-country (XC) flying opportunities. The take-off point is on top of the mountains, providing a stunning view of the Taihang Grand Canyon. The site has been developed to international standards and frequently hosts international paragliding competitions. The mountaintop features large parking lots and a flat area with minimal vegetation, making it ideal for launching. The landing zone is a vast farmland area, ensuring easy retrieval of your paraglider. The best time for paragliding in Linzhou is from April to June when the weather is stable, and the cloud base can reach over 4,000 meters. February and March are generally too windy for safe paragliding. Before you go paragliding, it's essential to check with the Linzhou Paragliding Club due to the changing weather conditions. The club provides professional coaches, and a typical flight costs 580 yuan for 20 minutes. The club also offers accommodation and transportation to the paragliding sites. For more information, you can visit the Linzhou Paragliding Club's website: [Linzhou Paragliding Club](http://www.linzhouclub.com). Additional resources: - [China Highlights - Anyang Paragliding Site](http://www.chinahighlights.com/anyang/paragliding-site.htm) - [Vimeo - Worldcup Launch](http://vimeo.com/groups/aviationenthusiasts/videos/12258383) - [YouTube - Paragliding in Linzhou](http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DMNmKmjAscc)

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Yanhecun

At an elevation of 773 meters, this paragliding site is infrequently used. It is primarily suitable for soaring flights. For more details and to see a flight log from this location, visit [this link](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=3658).

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Miaomen Frong Waqiuping

This paragliding site has an elevation range of 251-270 meters and is occasionally used for soaring flights. For more details on specific flights from this location, you can check out the following links: - [Flight 4962](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=4962) - [Flight 4910](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=4910) - [Flight 4918](http://pcl.paracn.com/?op=show_flight&flightID=4918) These links provide insights into the flight conditions and experiences at this site.

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Tap Mun

Tap Mun, also known as Grass Island, is a paragliding site located in Hong Kong. The launch area is relatively small, standing at just 50 meters high, but it is sufficient for takeoff. However, the wind conditions here can be quite unpredictable, making it suitable only for experienced pilots. The primary wind directions for this site are East (E) and Southeast (SE). For more detailed information about the flying site, including images and accommodation options, please visit www.paragliding365.com.

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Mang Mountain MangShan

Mang Mountain, located in Changping District, about 40km northeast of downtown Beijing, is a renowned paragliding site. The mountain's name, which means "boa constrictor" in Chinese, reflects its serpentine shape. The launch site is situated on the west hilltop at an elevation of over 600 meters, offering panoramic views of the Mang Mountain Forest Park, the Ming Tombs Reservoir, and the Ming Tombs. To reach Mang Mountain, you can either drive or take public transportation. If driving, take the Jingchang Expressway and exit at 13C (Xiguan Exit) in Changping, then follow the signs to the Ming Tombs. After passing the seven-arch bridge, turn right and continue along the north route of the Ming Tombs Reservoir until you reach Mang Mountain. Alternatively, you can take Bus 643 from Andingmen or Bus 845 from Beijing West Railway Station to the Ming Tombs Reservoir and walk across the dam. The take-off area has three launch sites: two facing south and one facing north. Flights are possible in all wind directions except east. The site is operational year-round, although winter flights can be very cold. The take-off area is tight, so good ground handling skills are essential. Coordinates for the take-off site are 40°16'11.60"N, 116°16'39.00"E. The landing area is flat and spacious, making it safe for all pilots. For more information, visit [Tour Beijing Paragliding](http://www.tour-beijing.com/blog/beijing-travel/beijing-tour-reviews/paragliding-beijing/). Flight regulations stipulate a ceiling of 1500 meters due to the proximity to airline landing courses. For local contacts, you can reach out to Howard Yin at yinhongjun@gmail.com or via MSN at jetstream@sian.com. Beijing has two main paragliding clubs: 1. **Flying Man Aviation Club**: Established in the late 1990s, it is one of the largest aviation sports clubs in China, offering comprehensive flight training at Mang Mountain. - Tel: 652344230 - Address: 200 East of the Beijing Science and Technology University - Prices: Basic training CNY 1680 2. **Superwing Paragliding Club**: Offers beginner training over seven days, typically on weekends. - Prices: CNY 3,000 for training or CNY 500 for a tandem flight - Address: North gate of Olympic Sports Centre - Tel: 6491-2233 ext 201, 136-0124-1119 For additional details, visit [Paragliding365](http://www.paragliding365.com).

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Huixian Nirayama 辉县韭山

This paragliding site has an elevation of 332 meters and is rarely used. It offers some opportunities for soaring. The site is located in mainland China. You can view nearby flight records, with the closest being 2.7 km away. For more information, please refer to local paragliding resources.

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