Jiuxi to Yunqi via Longjing & Shili Langdang Hike

From the Jiuxi bus stop 九溪站, follow the paved road north into the Nine Creeks scenic area. This initial section is flat and shaded, following a stream valley between tea fields and forested slopes. After approximately 800 metres, the path reaches Jiuxi Yanshu 九溪烟树 ('Nine Creeks in Mist') — a jade-green pool fed by a low waterfall, framed by mossy rocks and overhanging trees. Continue north on the gravel-and-stone path that follows the stream upstream. The path crosses the stream multiple times on flat stone slabs — approximately 8-9 main crossings on this section, depending on the water level. The gradient is negligible — a gentle uphill walk with no significant climbing. The valley is shaded by mature camphor, maple, and liquidambar trees, with bamboo groves flanking the stream. After approximately 1 hour at a relaxed pace, the path reaches the lower end of Longjing Village 龙井村. Stop here to restock water and snacks — this is the last reliable provisioning point before the ridge sections. The village has tea houses, restaurants, and a public toilet near the Nine Creeks entrance.

Caution: The stream crossing stones can be slippery, particularly when damp or coated with algae — take each crossing deliberately. The Nine Creeks path has no shops or toilets between Jiuxi Yanshu and Longjing Village. Mosquitoes are active along the stream sections in warm months — repellent is essential.

Photo suggestion: One of the Nine Creeks stream crossings — flat stone slabs, dappled light, and clear running water.

From the Shili Langdang archway at the upper end of Longjing Village, ascend the stone-step tea-ridge path toward Sanfena (~340 m). The path climbs through terraced tea fields with layered views over Longjing Village and the surrounding hills. The gradient is steady but manageable — approximately 150 metres of elevation gain over 1.2 km. The stone steps are uniform and well-maintained. After approximately 25 minutes, the path reaches Sanfena 三分岔 ('Three Forks') at ~340 m — the three-way ridge junction with panoramic views over the Longjing tea-growing area. This is the high point of the tea-ridge section and the junction where the character of the walk changes from the open tea ridge to the forested southern ridge.

Caution: The ascent from Longjing is steeper than the alternative from Meijiawu — pace yourself and take a short break at Sanfena. The path is exposed for most of this section — sun protection recommended.

Photo suggestion: Sanfena junction — the panoramic viewpoint at 340 m with the tea ridge stretching north and the forested Wuyun Mountain to the south.

From Sanfena, continue south along the Shili Langdang ridge instead of descending toward Meijiawu or Longjing. The trail surface is paved stone, following the ridge crest through mixed forest and bamboo groves. The gradient is gentle — rolling short ups and downs with minimal net elevation change. The forest canopy provides intermittent shade, with occasional openings offering views south over the Qiantang River basin. After approximately 20 minutes at a steady pace, the trail reaches Zhenji Temple 真迹寺 on the summit of Wuyun Mountain 五云山 (~340 m). The temple is a modest complex with a main hall, a side courtyard, and a small tea area. The centrepiece is the 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree (千年银杏) in the temple forecourt — one of the oldest trees in Hangzhou, with a trunk circumference of over 7 metres. In autumn (late October to November), the ginkgo foliage turns brilliant gold — the tree is a major photography destination during this period. The temple grounds are free to enter; free cold tea is sometimes available for visitors (seasonal, typically offered by the temple stewards). A public toilet is located near the temple. This is the last water point before the final descent. Take a rest here before the bamboo forest section.

Photo suggestion: The 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree at Zhenji Temple on Wuyun Mountain — one of the oldest trees in Hangzhou.

From Zhenji Temple, follow the stone-step path descending the south side of Wuyun Mountain. The gradient is moderate — approximately 200 metres of elevation loss over 1.5 km — with continuous stone steps through dense bamboo forest. This is the Yunqi Bamboo Path 云栖竹径, one of Hangzhou's most famous scenic walks. The bamboo canopy creates a dramatic light effect — shafts of sunlight penetrate the tall stems, creating a dappled, cathedral-like atmosphere on the path. The descent passes several historic landmarks: Huilong Pavilion 回龙亭, a stone rest shelter with a roof of bamboo-pattern tiles; and Xixin Pavilion 洗心亭 ('Cleansing the Heart Pavilion') near the base, a classic Qing-dynasty pavilion overlooking a small pond. The path ends at the Yunqi Bamboo Path main gate. From the mountain side, entry is free (the 8 RMB fee applies only to visitors entering from the main road). From the gate, the Yunqi bus stop 云栖竹径站 is a 2-minute walk — bus 103 connects to the city centre.

Caution: The Yunqi descent is continuous stone steps for approximately 30 minutes — the cumulative descent can be felt in the knees, particularly after the previous 3-4 hours of walking. Take it steadily and use the handrail on the steeper sections. The Yunqi path is popular with visitors — be prepared to share the descent with walkers coming up from the main entrance.

Photo suggestion: The Yunqi Bamboo Path — a stone-step descent through dense bamboo with dramatic shafts of light.