Laoheyunqi to North Peak via Majiawu Hike

Start at the Laoheyunqi archway 老和云起, a traditional stone arch at the foot of the hill, 280 metres west of Gudang metro Exit B. From the arch, a wide stone-step path climbs continuously through mixed woodland. This is the steepest single section of the entire walk — about 80 metres of gain in the first 500 metres — and will elevate your heart rate quickly. After approximately 15 minutes the path reaches a small observation clearing with the first open view of the Zhejiang University campus 浙江大学 and the western city districts below. This is the summit of Laohe Mountain 老和山. Despite the initial steepness, the gradient eases considerably after this point.

Caution: The first 500 metres are the steepest of the entire route — pace yourself and take a break at the summit clearing. The steps can be damp in the morning.

Photo suggestion: View of Zhejiang University campus and the city from the Laohe Mountain observation clearing.

From Laohe summit, the trail follows a gently undulating paved path along the ridge. The forest canopy provides good shade. After approximately 15 minutes the ridge dips and rises again toward Jiangjun Mountain 将军山 (195 m). At Jiangjun summit there is a rest pavilion and a self-service water vending machine. This is also where a dirt-path alternative diverges from the main stone-paved route — take the stone path upward for better views rather than the flat dirt bypass. The pavilion offers views over the Xixi Wetland area to the west.

Caution: At the Jiangjun junction, the stone-step uphill path is the recommended choice. The flat dirt bypass offers no views. Follow the stone steps.

Photo suggestion: Ridge path approaching Jiangjun Mountain with forest canopy.

Continue south along the ridge. The trail surface remains paved stone with gentle ups and downs. After approximately 10 minutes you reach Meinv Mountain 美女山, which has a second rest pavilion and another self-service vending machine. This section is the most relaxed of the entire walk — minimal elevation change, consistent shade, and a wide path surface.

Photo suggestion: Meinv Mountain rest pavilion and ridge corridor.

The trail continues through mixed forest toward Lingfengshan 灵峰山. After approximately 10 minutes from Meinv, you reach an electronic signboard at a trail junction — this is the critical navigation point on the route. Turn right immediately at the signboard and follow the short spur path (approximately 200 metres) to reach the Majiawu viewing platform 马家坞观景台 (also known as Nafu Yuntai 纳福云台). This is the highlight of the entire walk. The Majiawu viewing platform is a curved wooden boardwalk suspended on the ridge edge, approximately 100 metres long in a gentle S-shape. It offers a nearly 270° panorama: West Lake and the downtown skyline to the east, Xixi National Wetland Park to the north-west, and the rolling ridge of the West Lake Hills continuing south toward North Peak and beyond. On clear days you can identify landmarks including Leifeng Pagoda 雷峰塔, the Qiantang River, and the high-rise clusters of Qianjiang New Town 钱江新城. This is widely considered the best viewing platform on the entire West Lake Hills trail network. Allow 10-15 minutes for photos. After visiting the platform, you must return to the signboard junction to continue toward North Peak — do not attempt to continue directly from the platform.

Caution: The electronic signboard is easy to miss if you are looking down at your feet. The signboard displays trail information and warnings. The right turn leads to the viewing platform. The platform has no railings on the downward side — the drop is significant. Keep children close and do not climb onto the wooden rail structure.

Photo suggestion: The Majiawu platform — a 270° panorama of West Lake and the city skyline. This is the signature photo of the entire route.

Return from the viewing platform to the electronic signboard junction (2-minute walk). From the junction, continue south on the main ridge path toward North Peak 北高峰. The gradient increases moderately as you approach the summit — this is the second-most sustained climb after the initial Laohe ascent. The path surface remains paved stone. After approximately 20 minutes, the trail merges with the approach from Lingyin Temple, and the foot traffic increases noticeably. The final 100 metres are a short stone-step climb to the summit plateau.

Caution: This section is busier than the earlier ridge segments, particularly on weekends, as it converges with visitors ascending from the Lingyin Temple side and arriving by cable car. Stay aware of pedestrian traffic on the narrower sections. The gradient is moderate but steady — conserve energy for the final push.

Photo suggestion: The final approach to North Peak, with the Fortune Temple roof visible above the trees.

The summit of North Peak 北高峰 (314 m) is crowned by the Lingshun Temple 灵顺寺, the 'Number One Fortune Temple Under Heaven' (天下第一财神庙). Entry is 8 RMB; fortune sticks cost approximately 20-30 RMB (cash recommended). A small shop sells water and snacks. The elevated viewing platform wraps around the temple forecourt, offering a broad panorama of West Lake to the east and the Qiantang River to the south. The cable car station is approximately 100 metres below the summit (downhill, toward Lingyin) — downhill fare 20 RMB. If you prefer to walk down, two main options: (1) Descent to Lingyin Temple area via the paved path past Yongfu Temple (30-40 min; requires Feilai Peak scenic area reservation — free but advance booking needed); (2) Descent to Fahua Temple 法华寺 and onward to Dongyue metro station (Line 3, approximately 25 min walk down). If descending to Dongyue, the path is a continuous stone-step descent on a moderate gradient — your knees will feel it after the 300 metres of elevation loss.

Photo suggestion: North Peak summit with the Fortune Temple and West Lake panorama.