Laoheyunqi to Yangjiapailou Dragon Ridge Traverse Hike

Start at the Laoheyunqi archway 老和云起 (280 m west of Gudang metro Exit B on Line 3). From the stone arch, a wide stone-step path climbs the first steep section of the ridge — approximately 80 metres of gain over 500 metres — the steepest single section of the entire traverse. After approximately 15 minutes, the path reaches a small observation clearing at the summit of Laohe Mountain 老和山, with views over Zhejiang University campus and the western city districts. From here, the gradient eases significantly for the remainder of the north ridge.

Caution: The first 500 metres are the steepest of the entire traverse — pace yourself. The steps can be damp in the early morning.

Photo suggestion: View from the Laohe Mountain observation clearing looking over Zhejiang University.

From Laohe summit, the trail follows a gently undulating paved path along the ridge through mixed forest. After approximately 10 minutes, the ridge dips and rises toward Jiangjun Mountain 将军山 (195 m), which has a rest pavilion and self-service water vending machine. Continue south; after another 10 minutes, the trail reaches Meinv Mountain 美女山, with a second rest pavilion and another vending machine. From Meinv, the trail continues toward Lingfengshan 灵峰山, passing through a short forested section before the path converges with the approach from Qingzhiwu. Continue past Lingfengshan; after a further 10 minutes, the trail begins the final approach to North Peak. The path surface is paved stone throughout this entire section.

Caution: The north ridge section is well-trafficked on weekends. There are dirt bypass alternatives at Jiangjun and Meinv — take the main stone-step path for better views. The vending machines accept Alipay and WeChat Pay but not cash.

Photo suggestion: The paved north ridge path approaching Lingfengshan with the city visible through the trees.

From the Lingfengshan area, the trail climbs the final ridge section to North Peak. The gradient is moderate — approximately 60 metres of gain over 800 metres. After approximately 10 minutes, the path merges with the approach from the Lingyin cable car station, and foot traffic increases noticeably. The final 100 metres are a short stone-step climb to the North Peak summit plateau. North Peak (314 m) is crowned by the Lingshun Temple 灵顺寺, the Fortune Temple (entry 8 RMB). The summit has a viewing platform, a shop, and the cable car station below (100 metres downhill, 20 RMB single to Lingyin). This marks the mid-point of the traverse.

Caution: This section becomes busy with day-visitors arriving by cable car from Lingyin. The summit platform can be crowded — watch your footing near the viewing edge.

Photo suggestion: North Peak summit with the Fortune Temple and West Lake panorama. This marks the mid-point of the traverse.

From North Peak, follow the signposted path heading west along the Dragon Ridge toward Meiren Peak. The trail descends approximately 50 metres on stone steps, then climbs toward Meiren Peak 美人峰 (~354 m). This short descent-re-ascent is the first significant climb after leaving North Peak. After approximately 10 minutes, the trail reaches the Yifeng Yuli Pavilion 一峰玉立亭 at the Meiren Peak summit — a hexagonal stone pavilion with 360° views over Xixi Wetland to the north and the Dragon Ridge stretching west.

Photo suggestion: Yifeng Yuli Pavilion on Meiren Peak, looking back east toward North Peak.

From Meiren Peak, continue west along the paved Dragon Ridge trail. The gradient is gentle for the first few hundred metres before climbing toward Longmen Mountain 龙门山. The trail surface is paved stone throughout. After approximately 10 minutes, the path reaches Longmen Pavilion 龙门亭 at the eastern approach to Longmen Mountain. A short further climb brings you to the summit of Longmen Mountain (~370 m) — the highest point of the entire traverse, and the highest summit on the northern West Lake Hills ridge. The summit is a broad, open ridge clearing with long-range views over the Tianzhu valley to the south and the ridge system you have walked from Laoheyunqi to the east.

Caution: The section just before Longmen Pavilion has a short steep climb on uneven stone steps — the last significant ascent of the traverse. Take a break at the summit; the remainder of the route is predominantly downhill.

Photo suggestion: Longmen Mountain summit — the high point of the traverse at ~370 m, with the Dragon Ridge receding west.

From Longmen Mountain, the trail descends approximately 120 metres over 800 metres on paved stone steps toward Shiren Pavilion 石人亭 (~256 m). The gradient is moderate but persistent — this is the first sustained descent of the traverse. After approximately 10 minutes, the trail reaches Shiren Pavilion, a stone rest pavilion at a four-way junction on the Dragon Ridge. The pavilion offers filtered views over the Tianzhu valley. Vendors occasionally sell water and snacks here. This is the final ridge waypoint before the descent toward Yangjiapailou. At Shiren Pavilion, take the right fork descending toward Yongxing Temple (the left fork continues toward Xiaohoshan; the path straight ahead descends toward the Tianzhu temples).

Caution: The descent from Longmen to Shiren is the first sustained downhill of the traverse. If you have been walking for 2-3 hours, your legs may feel the accumulated effort on this section. Watch your footing on the stone steps.

Photo suggestion: Shiren Pavilion at the ridge junction — the final ridge waypoint.

From Shiren Pavilion, follow the descending path toward Yongxing Temple 永兴寺. The trail surface transitions from stone steps to a packed gravel path, then to a paved lane as it approaches the temple. After approximately 15-20 minutes, the trail reaches Yongxing Temple — a Tang dynasty temple complex rebuilt in Tang revival style, associated with Ji Gong (济公禅师). The temple is free to enter and has a small shop outside. From the temple, follow the paved Xixi Valley Greenway 西溪谷慢行道 for approximately 1 km north-east toward Yangjiapailou 杨家牌楼. The greenway is a flat, paved path bordered by tea terraces — a gentle cool-down after the ridge walk. At the finish, Yangjiapailou has a small cluster of restaurants and shops. From the Yangjiapailou archway, walk 2 minutes to the bus stop for routes 236, 306, 310, and 346, or take a taxi 5 minutes to Gudun Road 古墩路 metro station (Line 3) for the return to central Hangzhou. If you wish to close the loop on foot, it is approximately 2 km along paved roads from Yangjiapailou back to the Laoheyunqi archway — a 25-minute walk.

Caution: The greenway section has occasional vehicle access — stay aware on the shared path. Yangjiapailou has limited dining options compared to Qingzhiwu or Baileqiao, but there are a few small restaurants and a convenience store near the bus stop.

Photo suggestion: Yongxing Temple on the descent — Tang revival architecture with the ridge visible behind.