Guangming Temple Reservoir Medium Loop Hike
A gentle loop through tea fields past Red Gate and Guangming Pavilion, with reservoir views throughout. Shorter and less demanding than the full ridge loop but more scenic than the flat shoreline walk.
Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点 → Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点
Quick Facts
| Distance | ~3.5 km |
| Duration | 1.5–2 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation gain | ~120 m |
| Start | Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点 |
| Finish | Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点 |
| Area | Longwu Tea Village |
| Best season | March–May, September–November |
| Transport | Metro + bus / taxi / car |
| Crowd level | Low to moderate — less crowded than the full ridge loop |
| Toilets | At the Cycling Park Parking area near the start |
| Food/water | Bring your own — no vendors on the route |
Route Summary
The Guangming Temple Reservoir Medium Loop sits between the flat shoreline walk and the full ridge circuit — a 3.5 km loop that climbs through tea fields on a gentle dirt trail, passes the landmark Red Gate (红门) frame, reaches Guangming Pavilion (光明亭) for tea-field views, then descends via gravel path back to the reservoir. With only 120 m of elevation gain spread across a gentle gradient, it is suitable for families with children aged 4 and up and casual walkers who want more than a flat loop without committing to the full ridge climb.
The route shares its start point with the other Guangming Reservoir trails, making it easy to choose your length on the day. Chinese place names are included throughout for navigation and communication with local drivers.
How to Get There
By metro + bus
BestTake metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站 (Exit A or D), then transfer to bus 331, 395, or 1407. Alight at Longwu Tea Village 龙坞茶村站 or Hejia Village Committee 何家村委站, then walk 10–15 minutes to the Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点. Metro Line 3 to Liuxia 留下站 (Exit D) with bus 331 is another option.
By metro + taxi
Take metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站, then taxi approximately 15 minutes to 骑行公园停车点 (Cycling Park Parking).
By car
Navigate to 何家村骑行公园 (Hejia Village Cycling Park) or 光明寺水库停车场 (Guangming Temple Reservoir Parking). Parking costs 4 RMB per hour with a daily cap of 30 RMB.
Weekend shuttle bus
On weekends and public holidays, the free Longwu sightseeing circulator C-line (龙坞大茶壶观光环线 C 线) serves the area from approximately 8:30–18:30 with 20-minute intervals.
Exit options
ReturnThe loop returns to the same parking area. Buses 331, 395, and 1407 run from Longwu back toward the metro.
Save these in your phone: 光明寺水库 (Guangming Temple Reservoir), 红门 (Red Gate), 光明亭 (Guangming Pavilion), 骑行公园停车点 (Cycling Park Parking), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6).
Step-by-Step Route
Route notes are based on local knowledge and will be refined with field checks. Approximate times assume a relaxed pace with short photo stops.
Cycling Park to the reservoir shore
~10 minFrom the Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点, follow the paved path south past Hejia Village to the shore of Guangming Temple Reservoir 光明寺水库. This section is flat and takes about 10 minutes. The reservoir appears on your left — blue-green water surrounded by tea terraces. Continue past the reservoir dam to the far side of the water.
Photo suggestion: Guangming Temple Reservoir from the shore approach.
Reservoir to Red Gate — the tea-field ascent
~25–35 minFrom the far side of the reservoir, pick up the left-side dirt trail that climbs through the tea fields. Unlike the stone-step ascent of the full ridge loop, this path is packed earth with a gentle gradient — easier on the knees and more forgiving for casual walkers. The trail rises steadily through layered tea terraces, with the reservoir visible below through the tea bushes. After about 25 minutes you reach Red Gate (红门), a landmark gate frame standing alone in the tea fields — only the stone frame remains, making it a distinctive waypoint and photo subject.
Photo suggestion: Dirt trail climbing through tea fields toward Red Gate.
Red Gate to Guangming Pavilion
~15–20 minContinuing past Red Gate 红门, the trail climbs a short distance further to Guangming Pavilion 光明亭 — a covered rest pavilion that serves as the high point of the loop. From here, the view extends across the reservoir below and the surrounding tea-terrace hills. This is a natural lunch or snack stop. The pavilion is less exposed than the ridge-top spots on the full loop, making it a comfortable break point even on warmer days.
Photo suggestion: Guangming Pavilion with the reservoir visible through the tea terraces below.
Guangming Pavilion to the Cycling Park — gravel descent
~25–35 minFrom Guangming Pavilion 光明亭, follow the gravel path that descends in a gentle curve back toward the valley. The surface changes from packed earth to loose gravel — watch your footing on the steeper sections. The path passes through more tea fields before emerging at Hejia Village. From the village, a short flat walk along the access road returns you to the Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点. Total time: approximately 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace.
Caution: The gravel descent path has loose stones in places. Take your time, especially after rain when the surface can be less stable.
Photo suggestion: Gravel descent path through tea fields returning toward Hejia Village.
Photo Guide
Key photo points along the route. Real photos will be added after field checks.
Practical Notes
Food and water
Bring your own water and snacks — there are no vendors on the route. Hejia Village near the start has small shops for supplies.
Toilets
Public toilets are available at the Cycling Park Parking area. No toilets on the trail.
Phone signal
Reliable throughout — the route stays close to village infrastructure.
Trail surface
Paved path at the start and finish; packed dirt trail on the ascent; compacted gravel on the descent. The ascent surface is easier than the stone steps on the full ridge loop.
Difficulty
This is the middle option among the Guangming Reservoir trails — easier than the full 5 km ridge loop but more engaging than the flat 2 km shoreline loop. Suitable for families with children aged 4 and up, casual hikers, and anyone who wants tea-field views without a sustained steep climb.
Red Gate note
Red Gate (红门) is just the remaining stone frame of what was once a gate — there is no actual gate. It serves as a useful navigation landmark and a distinctive photo subject.
Parking
Paid parking at the Cycling Park lot: 4 RMB/hour, 30 RMB daily cap. Arrive before 10:00 am on weekends.
Safety Notes
- The gravel descent has loose stones in places. Take care on the steeper sections, especially after rain.
- Summer sun exposure is strong on the open tea-field sections. Bring sun protection and water.
- The dirt trail can become slippery after rain. Wear shoes with decent grip.
- Save Chinese place names on your phone before starting.
Best Time to Go
Spring
RecommendedIdeal season. Tea terraces are vibrant green, the reservoir is clear, and temperatures are mild. Highly recommended.
Summer
Hot and exposed on the open tea-field sections. Start before 8:00 am and carry sun protection.
Autumn
RecommendedComfortable temperatures and clear skies. Good light for photography from Guangming Pavilion. Recommended.
Winter
Cool and quiet. The tea fields are less lush but the walk remains pleasant on dry days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to common planning questions about transport, Chinese place names, timing, and safety for this route.
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How is the medium loop different from the full ridge loop?
The medium loop is shorter (3.5 km vs 5 km), has less elevation gain (120 m vs 460 m), and uses a gentler dirt-and-gravel surface rather than the full ridge loop's stone steps. It reaches Guangming Pavilion instead of the ridge-top Observation Deck and Yellow Plum Pavilion — closer to the reservoir, with less exposure. Choose the medium loop for a shorter, easier outing; choose the full ridge loop for a sustained climb and wider views. -
What Chinese place names should I save for this route?
Save these: 光明寺水库 (Guangming Temple Reservoir), 红门 (Red Gate), 光明亭 (Guangming Pavilion), 骑行公园停车点 (Cycling Park Parking), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6). -
How long does the medium loop take?
Most walkers complete the 3.5 km loop in 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed pace. The gentle gradient and interesting waypoints (Red Gate, Guangming Pavilion) make it feel shorter than the clock suggests. -
Can I bring a pushchair on this loop?
Not for the full loop — the dirt ascent and gravel descent sections are unsuitable for wheels. However, the first 10 minutes to the reservoir shore are paved and pushchair-friendly, so you can combine a short paved walk with a view of the reservoir.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.
Guangming Temple Reservoir Loop
The full 5 km ridge loop — steeper, longer, with panoramic views from the Observation Deck. 460 m climb, moderate.
Guangming Temple Reservoir Short Loop
A flat 2 km reservoir-side loop for pushchairs and toddlers. Zero climb.
Hejia Village Cycling Park Loop
A 5 km family loop from the Cycling Park through tea fields and ridge pavilions. Gentle climb.
Field Notes
Route details are maintained through local notes, field checks, photo updates, and transport revisions.