The Most Beautiful Hiking Routes in Hangzhou

Complete Guide to Hiking in Hangzhou: From West Lake’s Hidden Spots to Ancient Trail Exploration 1. Introduction Hangzhou, a city praised by Marco Polo as "the most beautiful and luxurious city under heaven," is not only famous for the renowned West Lake but also hides countless delightful hiking routes. Whether you want to leisurely stroll and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery or challenge yourself to conquer the mountains, Hangzhou can meet your expectations. This guide will introduce you to several classic hiking routes in the Hangzhou area, covering different difficulty levels and scenic types, helping you plan an unforgettable hiking trip. 2. Recommended Hiking Routes 1. West Lake Loop Trail (Leisure Level) Route Length: About 10 km Estimated Time: 3-4 hours (including photo breaks) Best Season: Suitable all year round, best in spring and autumn Highlights: Ten Scenes of West Lake, cultural relics, city views Detailed Route: Start from Broken Bridge → Bai Causeway → Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake → Zhejiang Provincial Museum → Zhongshan Park → Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society → Yue Fei Temple → Quyuan Fenghe → Su Causeway in Spring Dawn → Flower Harbor Viewing Fish → Leifeng Pagoda → Willows and Orioles → Hubin Road → Return to Broken Bridge Tips: - Hiking early morning or evening helps avoid crowds and enjoy sunrise or sunset. - Multiple rest stops and cafes along the way for refreshments. - Cycling is prohibited on Su Causeway and Bai Causeway, making them perfect for walking. 2. Jiuxi Eighteen Streams (Beginner Level) Route Length: About 5 km Estimated Time: 2 hours Best Season: Summer (cooling off), Autumn (red leaves) Highlights: Streams and waterfalls, tea garden scenery, forest oxygen bar Detailed Route: Jiuxi Bus Stop → Jiuxi Smoke Trees → Jiuxi Eighteen Streams → Longjing Village Tips: - Some sections require wading through water; wear non-slip shoes. - Longjing Village at the end is great for tea tasting and rest, but consume responsibly. - Mosquitoes are common in summer; bring insect repellent. 3. Shili Langdang (Intermediate Level) Route Length: About 8 km Estimated Time: 4-5 hours Best Season: Spring (tea picking), Autumn (cool weather) Highlights: Vast tea plantations, distant views of West Lake, ridge hiking Detailed Route: Longjing Village → Shili Langdang → Wuyun Mountain → Yunqi Bamboo Path Tips: - Some sections are steep and require good physical fitness. - The mountaintop offers wide views but little shade; bring sun protection. - Yunqi Bamboo Path exit has a bus stop for easy return. 4. West Lake Mountain Endurance Route (Challenge Level) Route Length: About 25 km Estimated Time: 8-10 hours Best Season: Spring and autumn (avoid extreme heat and cold) Highlights: Panoramic West Lake, continuous mountain ranges, physical challenge Detailed Route: Laohe Mountain → Qinting Mountain → General Mountain → Beauty Mountain → Lingfeng Mountain → North Peak → Beauty Peak → Longmen Mountain → Shiren Pavilion → Tianmen Mountain → Shili Langdang → Wuyun Mountain → Linhaiting → Jiuxi Tips: - Prepare adequately with food, water, and gear. - Some sections are remote; hiking with companions is recommended. - Can be completed in segments, such as Laohe Mountain to North Peak for a half-route. 5. Wuyue Ancient Trail (Cultural Level) Route Length: About 12 km (Hangzhou section) Estimated Time: 5-6 hours Best Season: Spring (azaleas), Autumn (colorful forests) Highlights: Thousand-year-old trail, historical relics, primeval forest Detailed Route: Lin’an Zhejiang West Tianchi → Leli Peak → Qianqing Pass → Wuyue Ancient Trail Monument → Grand Canyon Town Tips: - Some sections are in Lin’an; plan transportation in advance. - The ancient trail is well preserved but watch for slippery surfaces. - Combine with Zhejiang West Grand Canyon for a two-day trip. 3. Hiking Gear Recommendations Basic Gear: Comfortable hiking shoes, breathable clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, backpack Supplies: Sufficient water (1-2 liters), high-energy snacks (chocolate, nuts, etc.) Auxiliary Tools: Trekking poles (for mountain routes), map or GPS device, power bank Emergency Items: Basic first aid kit, rain gear, whistle 4. Practical Information Transportation Guide: - Most West Lake routes are accessible via Metro Line 1. - Remote routes like Wuyue Ancient Trail are best reached by car or charter. Ticket Information: - West Lake loop is free; Leifeng Pagoda and other attractions charge separately. - Yunqi Bamboo Path ticket is 8 RMB; Wuyue Ancient Trail is free. Accommodation Recommendations: - Around West Lake: hostels and boutique hotels are plentiful. - Longjing Village and Jiuxi area have unique homestays. Environmental Tips: Hangzhou enforces strict waste sorting; please carry out your trash during hikes. 5. Safety Notes - Check weather forecasts in advance to avoid bad weather. - Some mountain areas have weak signals; download offline maps beforehand. - Follow park regulations and avoid undeveloped areas. - Stop hiking immediately if feeling unwell. - Emergency contacts: Hangzhou area code 0571, emergency 120, rescue numbers available at park entrances. 6. Conclusion Hangzhou’s hiking routes are like a slowly unfolding landscape painting, each path revealing a different beauty of the city. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a local outdoor enthusiast, you will find a route that suits you here. Pack your bags and measure the poetic mountains and waters of Hangzhou with your own feet! Appendix: Seasonal Recommendations Spring (March-May): Su Causeway peach and willow viewing, Prince Bay Park tulips, Maojiabu tea picking Summer (June-August): Jiuxi water play, Tiger Run Dream Spring cooling, West Lake night tours Autumn (September-November): Manlong Osmanthus Rain, Nanping Mountain red leaves, Changqiao Park ginkgo Winter (December-February): Broken Bridge snow, Lingfeng plum blossom exploration, Gemstone Glow We hope this guide provides practical reference for your Hangzhou hiking trip and wish you a journey full of wonderful memories!