[2025 Hangzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Siwuling Mountain (Updated Jul)

Siwu Ridge is located at the border of Xiaoshan District and Fuyang District in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, as well as Zhuji City in Shaoxing. It belongs to a branch of the Longmen Mountain Range, with an elevation of over 500 meters. This area is a famous destination for hiking, trekking, and sightseeing near Hangzhou, renowned for its natural landscapes such as sea of clouds, sunrise, bamboo forests, and tea plantations. 🌟 Highlights: 1. **Natural Scenery**: - **Sea of Clouds & Sunrise**: On clear days, you can witness breathtaking sea of clouds and sunrise in the early morning. - **Bamboo Forests & Tea Terraces**: The mountains are covered with lush bamboo forests and terraced tea plantations, offering refreshing and picturesque views. - **Forest Oxygen Bar**: With high vegetation coverage, the air is fresh, making it perfect for relaxation. 2. **Hiking Trails**: - Multiple hiking trails with moderate difficulty, suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers. - Classic routes include starting from Yiqiao in Xiaoshan or Fuyang, where you can enjoy rural scenery along the way. 3. **Cultural Attractions**: - **Linfeng Temple**: An ancient temple on the mountain where you can experience Buddhist culture. - **WWII Relics**: Siwu Ridge was once a base for anti-Japanese guerrilla forces, with some historical remnants preserved. 4. **Seasonal Recommendations**: - **Best in Spring & Autumn**: Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage, both with pleasant weather. - Occasional snowscapes in winter, but be cautious of slippery mountain paths. 🚉 Travel Tips: - **Address**: Yiqiao Town, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang (navigate to "Siwu Ridge"). - **Transportation**: Self-driving is recommended, about 1.5 hours from downtown Hangzhou; or take a bus to Yiqiao Town and then a taxi. - **Admission**: Free. 📝 Notes: - Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring enough water. - No commercial facilities at the summit, so pack snacks. - Be cautious of slippery paths during or after rain. If you love nature and tranquility, Siwu Ridge is an ideal escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Check the weather before your trip for a safe journey!

The sea is a profoundly alluring term, generally referring to the vast, unenclosed ocean beyond capes or straits, contrasting with coastal or inland waters. Simply put, it embodies boundless or immense expanses of water! Moreover, with the evolution of times and the rise of in-depth travel, the concept of "sea" has spawned many new terms, such as "cloud sea," "bamboo sea," and "grass sea," all equally worthy of exploration! So, the question arises: where should one go for a unique travel experience? We recommend visiting Hangzhou Xiaoshan to "view the seas." This summer, embark on a sea-themed journey that promises awe-inspiring sights like the "Cloud Sea," "Emerald Sea," "Grass Sea," "Tangerine Sea," and "Flower Sea"! 1. **Siwuling "Cloud Sea"** – Best accessed by self-driving Located in Yiqiao Town, Xiaoshan, Hangzhou, Siwuling is a hidden gem just an hour's drive from the city center to the mountaintop. Navigate to "Wangjiang Pavilion," where, upon arrival, you'll find mist rising from the valleys amid bamboo-clad peaks, gently brushed by mountain breezes. From Wangjiang Pavilion, gaze out at the rolling "cloud sea" beneath your feet and the winding "Three Rivers" in the distance. The mountaintop offers free parking, making it convenient for visitors. Nearby, "M SPACE – Mountain & Nature" provides a café and exhibition space for relaxation and cultural immersion. *Note: The mountain road is winding; novice drivers should slow down and honk at turns to avoid 80% of minor mishaps!* 2. **Jinhua "Emerald Sea"** – Best accessed by self-driving, ideal for hiking In Xiaoshan's Jinhua Town lies the "Xiaoshao Ancient Trail," a millennium-old path connecting Hangzhou Xiaoshan and Shaoxing, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period. Legend says King Goujian trained his troops here. Winding through bamboo forests and past streams, the trail features historical sites like Yuewang Ridge, Shenyun Temple, and Jishan Plum Garden. It’s perfect for plum blossom viewing in spring and hiking in autumn, blending history with the charm of Jiangnan wilderness. The lush greenery and stone-paved path create a natural "air-conditioned corridor," making it a true "Emerald Sea." *Note: The Xiaofu Forest Ancient Trail in Daicun Town, linking Xiaoshan and Fuyang (10 km long), is also worth visiting.* 3. **Xianghu "Grass Sea"** – Best accessed by self-driving or Bus 775 to "Laohudong Station," then hike Hidden on Xianghu Academician Island in Hangzhou, a 25,000-square-meter "grass sea" awaits—a vast lawn dotted with lakeside scenery and exhibitions at the Zhejiang Oil Painting Academy. It’s a serene spot for picnics, camping (without tents or grills), or simply lounging. Visitors can enjoy weddings, frisbee games, or quiet moments on benches by the lake. *Note: Camping tables/chairs are allowed, but no tents, canopies, or barbecues to protect the grass.* 4. **Wenyan "Tangerine Sea"** – Best accessed by self-driving or Bus 178 to "Shuitianfan Intersection," then hike At Wenyan Ferry, hop on a vintage 2-yuan ferry at dusk to immerse in a "sunset tangerine sea." Explore the old street and savor river delicacies. Route: Wenyan Pier ⇌ Yuanpu Pier (scan to pay onboard). Don’t miss the 16:05 departure for a breezy sunset ride! Photo spots include vintage cars, rose-themed seats, retro shops, and sunset viewpoints. *Note: The last return ferry from Yuanpu Pier departs at 17:30—don’t miss it!* 5. **Xianghu "Flower Sea"** – Best accessed by self-driving or Bus 775 to "Kuahuqiao Station," then hike In Xianghu Lotus Village, a 3,460-square-meter "flower sea" of diverse lotus varieties unfolds, with ancient bridges and pavilions reflecting on the water like a Jiangnan ink painting. Nearby, legends of "Xishi’s Lotus Root" and the "Yuewangcheng Mountain Ruins" add historical allure. Best photo times: 6:00–9:00 AM or 17:00–19:00 PM. *Note: Avoid midday—harsh sun and lotus "naps" (closed petals).* Which of Xiaoshan’s "seas" appeals to you? For a two-day trip: - **Day 1**: Siwuling "Cloud Sea" → Jinhua "Emerald Sea" - **Day 2**: Xianghu "Flower Sea" → Xianghu "Grass Sea" → Wenyan "Tangerine Sea" How about it? Interested? Share your thoughts!

Xiaoshan's Siwu Ridge, standing at an elevation of approximately 500 meters, is easily accessible by driving and navigating to 'Wangjiang Pavilion.' This spot offers the best panoramic views of Hangzhou's magnificent cityscape, with a clear view of the Fuchun River, Puyang River, Wufeng Island, and Qiantang River. It is especially perfect for watching sunsets, adding a touch of romance. At the mountain top, a combination of a café and an art gallery with a 270-degree panoramic design allows you to savor coffee while embracing nature. The beautiful courtyard at the entrance is ideal for family outings, with plant and insect exhibitions that are truly eye-opening. Although the winding mountain road may seem challenging, it is actually quite manageable. The drive under the shade of trees is filled with the essence of summer. Come to Siwu Ridge and enjoy the coolness from the heights!