Paragliding Winging it in Yunnan

Yunnan: A Paragliding Paradise

The Growing Paragliding Scene in Yunnan

Yunnan has become a rising destination for paragliding enthusiasts. According to Fengniao, a seasoned paraglider in the region, Yunnan is an ideal location for the sport. “The province has over 200 active paragliders, with 50 skilled enough to fly independently,” Fengniao explained.

Paragliding in Yunnan began in the mid-1990s but has seen slow progress. Today, over 10 paragliding sites are available across the province in areas like Shiping, Yuanjiang, Yuxi, Gejiu, Gasa, Qujing, and Jinggu.

Why Yunnan is Perfect for Paragliding

Yunnan offers the perfect combination of open, hilly terrain and mild weather conditions that are ideal for paragliding. As Fengniao puts it, “Planes take off or land against the wind, and so do paragliders.” The wide variety of sites across the province makes it a go-to location for gliding.

The Journey Begins

Early last Wednesday morning, GoKunming met up with a few friends on Jiaoling Lu for a trip out to Anning. Red-eyed and sleepy, we all needed a coffee or two, but none of Kunming's cafés had opened yet. As we packed into the van, there was a slight giddy feeling, reminiscent of skipping school.

However, beneath the excitement, there was also a palpable sense of nervousness — we were about to try something new and intimidating: paragliding for the first time.

Paragliding in China

Paragliding, known in China as huáxiángsǎn (滑翔伞) or "gliding parachute," is a relatively new sport in the country. It started gaining popularity around a decade ago but hasn't yet attracted the massive following seen in places like the US, Europe, or even South Korea and Japan.

Mike Fougere, our internationally-certified tandem pilot and instructor for the day, described the sport as "one of those activities like Kung Fu or bicycling that can become a way of life for those who enjoy it." As we nervously awaited our turn, Mike studied wind charts for Anning's Longsan Mountain, which indicated favorable flying conditions.

"It’s been so windy lately that I had to cancel a recent flight," Mike explained, "But today should be just right."

Preparing for Takeoff

After leaving Kunming, we stopped in Anning’s hot springs area for some snacks before heading toward Longsan Mountain, where we would launch. Nervous excitement buzzed among the group.

After a bumpy ride up to the flat top of Longsan Shan, we disembarked and gathered around as Mike set up the 43-square-meter nylon airfoil, which he referred to as a "wing." There was a lot of deliberation as we decided who would take off first.

The First Flight

GoKunming techie Matthew was the first to strap into the paragliding harness, which allows for semi-easy running during takeoff and a comfortable seat once airborne. Mike, originally from Canada, had already logged around 500 tandem flights over the past three years and over 200 solo hours annually in Asia and North America.

Mike had explored several locations around Kunming for paragliding, including Xishan and Liangwan Shan in Chengjiang, which are also great spots for taking to the skies.

Battling the Winds

After a quick briefing on taking off and checking the harness, Mike waited for the perfect wind. Matthew started moving forward toward the mountain’s edge, but the wind wasn’t right. After a few aborts, the fourth attempt succeeded, and Matthew and Mike were airborne.

Meteorological knowledge is crucial to a successful flight. Understanding how the sun heats the ground and creates thermal currents is essential for finding updrafts and gaining altitude. After a few unsuccessful attempts, the winds finally cooperated, sending Matthew and Mike about a kilometer up in no time.

High Above Longsan Shan

After Mike and Matthew landed, the rest of us took turns launching. Although not all of us caught the big thermals, the experience was exhilarating. The last two in our group managed to catch major thermals, quickly soaring up to nearly 4 kilometers above sea level. At one point, the altitude gauge was emitting a high-pitched noise, indicating an ascent rate of six meters per second.

The lucky high-fliers spent about an hour gliding across the sky. When they landed, they were slightly dazed but happy to have flown.

Safety and Recommendations

If you're thinking about trying paragliding, it’s crucial to fly with an experienced pilot certified by a recognized body, such as the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association of Canada (HPAC). Essential gear includes hiking boots, sunscreen, a windbreaker, and plenty of snacks and water.

Mike Fougere, based in Kunming, offers tandem paragliding flights for 300 yuan per person (plus transport expenses), depending on weather conditions.

Paragliding in Tiger Leaping Gorge

An Adventurer's Perspective

One paraglider who explored the region’s potential is Nick Neynens, an adventurer who has flown in locations worldwide, including the Alps and the Himalayas. Nick’s trip to Yunnan included a memorable flight over Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the province’s most stunning natural landmarks.

The Challenges of Flying over Tiger Leaping Gorge

Nick was drawn to the area because his brother had organized a cycling trip nearby. Despite the gorge's intimidating ridges and rocky terrain, Nick found flying to be less difficult than expected. The real challenge came when crossing the gorge itself, where the wind funnels between the Jade Dragon and Haba Mountains, creating turbulence.

Flying with Vultures

One of the most magical moments of the flight was when Nick flew alongside a group of vultures. “They really made me feel like family,” he recalled. “They would fly right on my wingtip, doing acrobatics, and about twenty of them joined me at one point.”

Landing Challenges and Adventures

Nick also shared the risks that come with flying in such challenging environments. At one point, while flying north of Shangri-la, the winds got increasingly turbulent, and he struggled to find a safe landing spot. Eventually, he ended up landing in a sandy riverbank, attracting the attention of local police.

Final Thoughts
Whether you're an experienced glider or a first-timer, Yunnan offers some of the best paragliding experiences in China. With its diverse terrain, stable weather, and a growing community of enthusiasts, it’s clear why paragliding is becoming a popular activity in the region. If you're looking to take to the skies, Yunnan should be at the top of your list.