Guangming Temple Reservoir Loop Hike
A forested ridge walk through Longwu's tea country, circling a secluded reservoir with panoramic hill views. Moderate effort, big reward.
Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点 → Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点
Quick Facts
| Distance | ~5 km |
| Duration | ~3 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation gain | ~460 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 medium on weekdays |
| Toilets | At start parking area and near Hejia Village Market |
| Food/water | Available at Hejia Village Market near finish; bring water for ridge section |
Route Summary
The Guangming Temple Reservoir Loop is one of Longwu’s most rewarding short hikes — a 5 km circuit that climbs through tea terraces to a forested ridge, then descends to a peaceful reservoir surrounded by tea plantations. Despite its relatively short distance, the 460 m elevation gain gives this route a moderate feel, with a sustained climb at the start followed by rolling ridgeline terrain.
This guide is based on local hiker notes and will be refined as field checks are completed. The route is particularly recommended for spring hiking, when the tea terraces are vibrant green and azaleas line the ridge path. Chinese place names are included throughout to help with navigation and communication with local drivers. For a shorter option, try the reservoir-side loop (~2 km, flat) or the medium loop (~3–5 km, gentle climb) — both start from the same Cycling Park parking area.
How to Get There
By metro + bus
BestTake metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站 (Exit A), then transfer to bus 331 or 1407. Alight at Longwu Tea Village 龙坞茶村站 or Hejia Village Committee 何家村委站 — both are a 10–15 minute walk from the trailhead at Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点. Alternatively, take metro Line 3 to Liuxia 留下站 (Exit D) and transfer to bus 331 toward Longwu. Key bus routes serving the area: 331 (linking Liuxia metro and Longwu), 1407 (short hop from Xiangshan Campus metro), 318C (direct to Wulin Square via Liuhe Pagoda, Tiger Run, and Hangzhou Zoo), and 510C.
By metro + taxi
Take metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站 (Exit A), then take a taxi approximately 25 minutes to Hejia Village Market 何家村市集. This is a good option for groups or when bus schedules don't align well.
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. On weekends and public holidays, arrive before 8:30 am to secure a spot — the small lot fills up quickly during peak season.
By bus
Metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站 (Exit D), then transfer to bus 395 which runs directly to Longwu Tea Village 龙坞茶村. Bus 395 is a convenient alternative to the 331/1407 routes — check AMap for real-time schedules.
Weekend shuttle bus
On weekends and public holidays, a free Longwu sightseeing circulator C-line (龙坞大茶壶观光环线 C 线) connects the tea village, the reservoir area, and other popular spots. It runs approximately 8:30–18:30 with 20-minute intervals. This is a convenient option for reaching the trailhead from within the Longwu area without a car, though schedules may change — check local notices.
Exit options
ReturnThe loop returns to the same parking area, so your car or waiting taxi is at the finish. If arriving by public transport, buses 331 and 1407 run from Longwu back toward the metro. Note that some bus routes have long intervals between services — check real-time schedules in AMap or consider hailing a taxi from Hejia Village.
Save these place names in your phone before starting: 光明寺水库 (Guangming Temple Reservoir), 骑行公园停车点 (Cycling Park Parking, the start/finish), 龙坞茶村 (Longwu Tea Village, bus stop), 何家村委 (Hejia Village Committee, bus stop), 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 Embraced Green Pavilion — the ascent
~30–40 minFrom the Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点, follow the trail heading uphill into the tea plantations. The path is a mix of packed dirt and stone steps, climbing steadily through terraced tea fields. Keep an eye out for the small directional signs. After about 30 minutes you reach 挹翠亭 (Embraced Green Pavilion), a shaded rest pavilion with the first open views back over the valley. Catch your breath here — the steepest section is ahead.
Caution: The initial climb is the steepest part of the loop. Pace yourself and take breaks at the pavilion. The stone steps can be uneven.
Photo suggestion: Looking back over the tea terraces from the ascent path.
Ridge walk — Embraced Green Pavilion to Observation Deck
~30–40 minFrom 挹翠亭, the trail continues along the ridge with gentler ups and downs. The path is more shaded here, passing through mixed forest with bamboo groves on both sides. Occasional openings in the canopy reveal panoramic views of the surrounding hills. After about 30 minutes you reach the 观景台 (Observation Deck) — a wooden platform with wide-angle views over Longwu and the reservoir area below.
Photo suggestion: Ridge path with bamboo forest and distant hill views.
Ridge to Yellow Plum Pavilion — descent toward the reservoir
~40–50 minFrom the Observation Deck, the trail continues along the ridge, passing 飞凤岩 (Flying Phoenix Rock), a prominent rock formation on the right. The path undulates between several small hills — what your user described as 'rolling terrain across multiple peaks' — before reaching 黄梅亭 (Yellow Plum Pavilion). This section has the best wildflower displays in spring, with azaleas (映山红) blooming along the trail edges. From 黄梅亭, the trail begins its descent toward the reservoir.
Caution: The downhill section after Yellow Plum Pavilion can be steep in places. Watch your footing, especially on loose gravel. The user notes that going counter-clockwise makes the climb gentler but the descent steeper — choose your direction accordingly.
Photo suggestion: Azaleas blooming along the ridge path in spring.
Reservoir loop and return
~45–60 minThe trail levels out as you reach the valley floor and the 光明寺水库 (Guangming Temple Reservoir). This is the payoff — a calm green reservoir surrounded by tea terraces and forested hills. The path follows the water's edge for most of this section, with the reservoir on your left and tea fields on your right. Continue past 何家村市集 (Hejia Village Market) — a small village market where you can find drinks and snacks. From the market, a short flat walk returns you to the Cycling Park Parking 骑行公园停车点 where the loop began.
Photo suggestion: Guangming Temple Reservoir with tea terraces in the foreground.
Photo Guide
Key photo points along the route. Real photos will be added after field checks.
Practical Notes
Food and water
No food or water sources along the ridge section. Bring at least 1.5 litres per person. Drinks and snacks are available at Hejia Village Market 何家村市集 near the end of the loop.
Toilets
Public toilets are available at the Cycling Park Parking area at the start and near Hejia Village Market. No toilets along the ridge section.
Phone signal
Mobile signal is generally reliable on the ridge and around the reservoir. Some brief weak spots in the denser forest sections.
Trail surface
Packed dirt and stone steps on the ascent; forest path along the ridge; gravel and paved path around the reservoir.
Trail difficulty
Not a zero-effort beginner route. The 460 m elevation gain is concentrated in the first section, making the climb feel steep. Suitable for casual hikers with a reasonable fitness level, but not recommended for absolute beginners or those with limited mobility.
Clockwise vs counter-clockwise
Your user notes that most hikers go clockwise, but going counter-clockwise makes the climb slightly gentler at the cost of a steeper descent. Both directions work — choose based on whether you prefer climbing or descending steep sections.
Spring conditions
In spring (March–May), the hills are covered in layered green tea terraces with azalea blooms along the ridge. The air carries a strong scent of grass and flowers. Early spring can be misty — this adds atmosphere but reduces visibility from the ridge.
Best photo spots
Four standout locations: (1) the Observation Deck 观景台 — 360-degree panorama over the reservoir and tea terraces, the most photographed point on the loop; (2) the reservoir dam — head-on view of the blue-green water framed by tea plantations; (3) the tea-terrace S-curve on the ascent — wide path with layered tea bushes curving down the hillside; (4) the ridge section between Embraced Green Pavilion and the Observation Deck — bamboo-lined path with distant hill views. Early morning light (before 10 am) gives the clearest colours.
Short reservoir loop option — ~2 km, no climb
If you only want to see the reservoir without the ridge climb: park at the Cycling Park, walk 10 minutes past Hejia Village to the reservoir shore, and follow the paved path around the water's edge. The circuit is flat, takes about 30–40 minutes, and works for pushchairs and toddlers. You can also climb the short stone steps to Guangming Summit (光明顶) for a quick overhead view — this adds 15 minutes and about 50 m of climb.
Medium loop option — ~3–5 km, gentle climb
For a route that is shorter and gentler than the full ridge loop: from the reservoir, take the left-side dirt trail uphill through the tea fields past Red Gate (红门) to Guangming Pavilion (光明亭), then descend via the gravel path back to Hejia Village and the Cycling Park. This option skips the Embraced Green Pavilion, Observation Deck, and Yellow Plum Pavilion sections of the full ridge loop, reducing the distance to roughly 3–5 km with a much gentler gradient. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Safety Notes
- The initial climb has steep, uneven stone steps. Wear shoes with good grip and take your time.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Summer heat and humidity can make the climb strenuous — start early and carry extra water.
- Some trail junctions may not have English signage. Save Chinese place names (光明寺水库, 骑行公园停车点) on your phone before starting.
- Avoid the route during heavy rain — the descent paths can become slippery and the stone sections hazardous.
- The loop is about 5 km but the 460 m elevation gain makes it more demanding than the distance suggests. Allow a full 3 hours at a comfortable pace.
Best Time to Go
Spring
RecommendedPeak season for this loop. Tea terraces are at their greenest, azaleas bloom along the ridge, and temperatures are mild. Highly recommended.
Summer
Hot and humid. The forest ridge offers some shade but the exposed climb can be strenuous. Start very early (before 7 am) if hiking in summer.
Autumn
RecommendedComfortable temperatures and clearer skies. Good visibility from the ridge viewpoints. Recommended season.
Winter
Cooler and quieter. The hills are less lush but the trails are less crowded. Walking conditions are fine 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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Is Guangming Temple Reservoir Loop suitable for beginners?
It depends on your fitness level. The distance is only 5 km, but the 460 m elevation gain makes this a moderate hike rather than an easy walk. The initial climb is steep and sustained. If you are comfortable with a 3-hour walk that includes a decent uphill section, you will be fine. Not recommended for absolute beginners or those with limited mobility. -
How do I get to Guangming Temple Reservoir without a car?
Take metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus 美院象山站, then either: (a) bus 395 from Exit D directly to Longwu Tea Village, (b) bus 331 or 1407 from the main bus station, or (c) a 15-minute taxi from the metro station. Bus 331 also serves the area from metro Line 3 Liuxia 留下站 (Exit D). On weekends and public holidays, the free Longwu sightseeing circulator C-line runs through the area. If driving, parking costs 4 RMB per hour at the Cycling Park lot. -
How long does the loop take?
Most hikers complete the 5 km loop in about 3 hours at a relaxed pace with photo stops. The elevation gain adds time compared to a flat walk of the same distance. Allow a half-day if you want to linger at the reservoir or explore the Hejia Village Market. -
Which direction should I hike the loop?
Most hikers go clockwise. However, going counter-clockwise makes the initial climb slightly gentler at the cost of a steeper descent. Your user recommends counter-clockwise for a more gradual ascent — try both and see which suits you. -
What Chinese place names should I save for this route?
Save at least these names: 光明寺水库 (Guangming Temple Reservoir), 骑行公园停车点 (Cycling Park Parking, start/finish), 龙坞 (Longwu), and 何家村市集 (Hejia Village Market). These are useful for taxi drivers, map navigation, and local signs. -
Where are the best photo spots on this loop?
The Observation Deck 观景台 is the standout — an open wooden platform with 360-degree views over Guangming Temple Reservoir and the surrounding tea terraces. The reservoir dam itself is another excellent spot for a head-on shot with the blue-green water framed by tea plantations. On the ascent, the tea-terrace S-curve offers a nice layered composition. For a forest shot, the bamboo-lined ridge path between Embraced Green Pavilion and the Observation Deck has good light through the canopy. Early morning (before 10 am) provides the clearest light and the fewest people in your frame. -
Can I do this hike if I don't speak Chinese?
Yes. The trail itself does not require Chinese language skills. The path is generally clear and the area is a frequented walking area in Longwu. We recommend saving the Chinese place names from the "Chinese Names to Copy" card on this page before setting out — they are useful for taxi drivers, bus signs, and map apps. Getting to the trailhead is easier if you have the names ready. AMap (高德地图) has an English interface and works well for navigation. -
Is this hike safe to do alone?
Generally yes for solo walkers with some hiking experience, but note that Longwu is quieter than West Lake or Lingyin routes. You may encounter fewer people on weekdays. Phone signal is generally reliable on most of the route. As with any solo hike, tell someone your route plan, carry a power bank, and download offline maps before you start. -
Is there phone signal on the trail?
Mobile signal is generally reliable on the ridge and around the reservoir. Some brief weak spots in the denser forest sections. Downloading offline maps as a backup before you start is recommended, particularly for the forested ridge section where signal may be weaker. -
What time should I start this hike?
In summer (June–August), start before 7:00 am to avoid the midday heat and humidity. In spring and autumn, 8:00–9:00 am is a comfortable start time. In winter, 9:00–10:00 am works well. The hike takes approximately 3 hours, so an early start also helps you avoid crowds and find better light for photos. Starting by 1:00 pm still allows you to finish well before sunset.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.
Meijiawu Tea Village Walk
A gentle walk through tea terraces south of West Lake.
PlannedLongjing to Nine Creeks
Tea fields, forest paths, and a shaded stream valley. Easy and accessible.
Lingyin to North Peak
A temple-side forest climb to one of Hangzhou's best viewpoints. Moderate.
Field Notes
Route details are maintained through local notes, field checks, photo updates, and transport revisions.