Faxi Temple to Meijiawu via Shili Langdang Hike

Start at Faxi Temple 上天竺法喜讲寺 (10 RMB entry). If arriving by bus, alight at 上天竺站 (routes 103, 121, 324M, or 1314). Allow 15-20 minutes to visit the temple's iconic round-door courtyard and the '莫向外求' (Don't Seek Outward) inscription wall before setting out. From the temple exit, follow the lane that runs beside the yellow perimeter wall — the same initial section used by the Faxi Temple to North Peak route. After approximately 100 metres, instead of continuing toward the forest climb to Shiren Pavilion, take the right fork at a small junction: the path crosses a small stone bridge (Tianwai Diyi Bridge 天外第一桥) and begins climbing directly up the tea-terrace hillside. The bridge is a modest single-arch stone structure spanning a dry stream bed, with the tea-terrace hills rising steeply beyond it — a good first photo spot.

Caution: The path to the tea ridge is not immediately obvious from the temple exit. Look for the small stone bridge approximately 100 metres from the temple's side gate. If you reach the forest trail heading uphill (the Shiren Pavilion path), you have passed the turn-off.

Photo suggestion: The Tianwai Diyi Bridge with tea terraces rising behind — a framing shot with the temple low in the valley.

From the bridge, a stone-step path climbs directly up the tea-terrace slope. This is the only sustained climb of the walk — approximately 150 metres of elevation gain over 600 metres of trail. The gradient is steady but manageable, with the stone steps set at a comfortable height. The path is mostly shaded by bamboo groves on the lower section, opening to tea-terrace views as you gain elevation. After approximately 20 minutes, the trail reaches Fanyin Pavilion 梵音亭 (also known as Yongfengling 仰峰岭), a wooden rest pavilion at the ridge crest. The pavilion is the first ridge viewpoint, offering a broad panorama: the Faxi Temple compound below, the Tianzhu valley stretching north, and the Shili Langdang tea ridge extending east and south. This is the natural first rest stop and photo point.

Caution: The climb is continuous for approximately 20 minutes — there are no flat sections. The stone steps can be damp in the morning. Take a break at the pavilion to enjoy the view before continuing.

Photo suggestion: Fanyin Pavilion at the ridge crest with the Tianzhu valley and Faxi Temple visible below.

From Fanyin Pavilion, follow the paved ridge path east along the Shili Langdang. The gradient is gentle — rolling short ups and downs on a well-maintained stone-paved path. Tea terraces line both sides of the ridge, with the broad sweep of the Longjing tea-growing area visible in every direction. On clear days, West Lake is visible to the east. This is the most open and scenic section of the walk — the ridge crest is exposed, with tea fields falling away on both slopes. After approximately 25 minutes at a relaxed pace, the trail reaches Sanfena 三分岔 (~340 m), the three-way junction marking the high point of the walk. A direction signpost indicates: right toward Meijiawu (descent option A), straight toward Longjing Village (descent option B), and back toward the Tianzhu valley (return). A vendor stall is sometimes present here on weekends, selling water, cucumber, and popsicles.

Caution: The ridge section between Fanyin and Sanfena is fully exposed — there is no shade. Carry sun protection and a hat. The path is shared with other walkers and occasional trail runners — stay aware on the narrow sections.

Photo suggestion: The Shili Langdang ridge path approaching Sanfena, with tea terraces on both sides and the distant hills beyond.

From Sanfena, take the right fork descending toward Meijiawu. The path follows a stone-step descent through tea terraces and mixed woodland — approximately 2 km of gradual downhill with a mix of stone steps and level sections. The gradient is gentle and the path is well-shaded in the lower section. After approximately 30 minutes, the path reaches the Shili Langdang stone archway at Meijiawu 梅家坞 on Meiling Road. From the archway, the Meijiawu bus stop (routes 103, 121) is a 1-minute walk. Alternatively, from Sanfena you can continue straight toward Longjing Village (descent option B) — this is shorter (~20-25 min) and passes Shifeng Peak before descending to the lower Shili Langdang archway at Longjing Village.

Caution: The descent steps can be slippery when dry with tea-leaf dust. Watch your footing, particularly on the steeper sections. If descending to Longjing instead of Meijiawu, note that the Longjing bus stop is a 5-minute walk into the village from the archway.

Photo suggestion: The Meijiawu Shili Langdang archway at the finish point on Meiling Road.