Longjing Village to Sanfena via Shili Langdang Hike
A short out-and-back from Longjing Village up the Shili Langdang stone steps past Shifeng Peak to the Sanfena ridge viewpoint. The most accessible tea-field walk in the Longjing area — compact, scenic, and self-contained.
Longjing Village 龙井村 → Longjing Village 龙井村
Quick Facts
| Distance | ~3-5 km (out-and-back); ~5-7 km (one-way to Meijiawu) |
| Duration | 1.5-2.5 hours (out-and-back); 2.5-3.5 hours (one-way to Meijiawu) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation gain | ~200-250 m |
| Start | Longjing Village 龙井村 |
| Finish | Longjing Village 龙井村 |
| Area | Longjing / Tea Villages |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Transport | Bus / taxi / car |
| Crowd level | High on weekends and holidays; moderate on weekday mornings |
| Toilets | At Longjing Village (start and finish); no toilets on the ridge section |
| Food/water | Longjing Village has tea houses, restaurants, and shops at the start/finish; occasional vendor stalls at Sanfena on weekends (water ~8 RMB, cucumber ~5 RMB) |
Route Summary
The Longjing Village to Sanfena walk is the shortest and most self-contained tea-field experience in the Longjing area — a compact out-and-back that climbs from one of Hangzhou’s most historic tea villages up the Shili Langdang stone steps to Shifeng Peak, continues along the ridge to the Sanfena viewpoint at 340 metres, and returns the same way. The route is ideal for visitors who want a quick, flexible tea-field walk without the transport logistics of a point-to-point route: you start and finish at Longjing Village, which has direct bus connections to the city centre, tea houses for a post-walk rest, and the option to extend to Meijiawu one-way if you change your mind on the ridge. The ascent from Longjing is steeper and more direct than the alternative approach from Meijiawu — a shorter, punchier climb that reaches the ridge views faster.
This guide is based on hiker notes from the local community and will be refined as field checks are completed. The walk is recommended in spring for the vibrant green tea terraces and autumn for the clearest light from Shifeng Peak. Chinese place names are included throughout to help with navigation and communication with tea-house staff and bus drivers.
How to Get There
By bus (recommended)
BestTake bus 27 or 87 to 龙井茶室站 (Longjing Tea Room stop). From the bus stop, walk 5 minutes into the village along the main lane — you will pass tea houses and shops before reaching the central square. The Shili Langdang archway is at the upper (north-west) end of the village, approximately 10 minutes' walk from the bus stop. Bus 27 runs from Wulinmen and the city centre. Bus 87 runs from Huanglong Cave metro (Line 3) and connects to the Lingyin area. This is the only recommended approach for most visitors.
By metro + bus
Take metro Line 5 to Nanxingqiao Station 南星桥站 (Exit B). From the 三廊庙公交总站 (Sanlangmiao bus terminal) adjacent to the station, board bus 87 toward 龙井茶室站 (Longjing Tea Room stop). The journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes from the metro stop. Alternatively, take metro Line 3 to Huanglong Cave 黄龙洞站 and transfer to bus 87 from the Huanglong Cave stop.
By taxi
A taxi from central Hangzhou to Longjing Village costs approximately 35-45 RMB and takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. Show the driver 龙井村. The taxi can drop you at the village entrance on Longjing Road. Note that during spring tea season (March-April), traffic on Longjing Road can be heavy — the bus is often faster.
By car
Longjing Village has limited paid parking (approximately 10 RMB per hour, exact location varies). Weekend spaces are very limited and often full by 9:00 am during spring and autumn peak seasons. During the spring tea harvest (March-April), parking is not recommended — the bus or taxi is a more reliable option. Weekend traffic restrictions (odd-even plates, Xihu Tong permit) apply in the West Lake scenic area and cover the Longjing Road corridor.
Return
For the out-and-back, the return is simply to Longjing Village — the same bus stop on Longjing Road serves routes 27 and 87 for your journey back to the city. If you choose the one-way option to Meijiawu, the Meijiawu bus stop on Meiling Road serves routes 103, 121, and 1314 toward the city centre or the Lingyin area.
Return
ReturnFor the out-and-back, the return is simply to Longjing Village — the same bus stop on Longjing Road serves routes 27 and 87 for your journey back to the city. If you choose the one-way option to Meijiawu, the Meijiawu bus stop on Meiling Road serves routes 103, 121, and 1314 toward the city centre or the Lingyin area.
Save these place names in your phone before starting: 龙井村 (Longjing Village, start/finish), 十里琅珰牌坊 (Shili Langdang archway), 狮峰 (Shifeng Peak), 三分岔 (Sanfena, ridge viewpoint). For transport: 龙井茶室站 (Longjing Tea Room bus stop), 龙井村 (Longjing Village taxi drop-off).
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.
Longjing Village to Shili Langdang archway
~5-10 minStart at Longjing Village 龙井村. The village is served by buses 27 and 87 (alight at Longjing Tea Room 龙井茶室站, then walk 5 minutes into the village). From the village centre, follow the paved lane uphill past tea houses and residences toward the upper end of the village, where a stone archway inscribed with '十里琅珰' marks the trailhead. There is a public toilet near the archway — use it before starting, as there are no facilities on the ridge.
Photo suggestion: The Shili Langdang archway at the Longjing Village trailhead, with tea terraces rising behind.
Archway to Shifeng Peak — stone-step ascent
~25-35 minFrom the archway, a stone-step path climbs directly up the tea-terrace hillside. This ascent is shorter and steeper than the alternative from Meijiawu — approximately 200 metres of elevation gain over 1.2 km, with the steps rising at a consistent gradient. The path is wide enough for two people and is paved with uniform stone steps throughout. Tea terraces rise on both sides, with Longjing Village shrinking below as you climb. After approximately 20 minutes at a steady pace, the path reaches Shifeng Peak 狮峰 — a broad ridge shoulder with a flat stone area offering a panoramic view over Longjing Village and the surrounding tea hills. Shifeng is the historic heart of premium Longjing tea production — the tea bushes here grow at approximately 250-300 metres elevation on south-facing slopes, the optimal conditions for high-quality Dragon Well tea. Take a break at the summit and enjoy the view.
Caution: The gradient from the Longjing side is steeper than from Meijiawu — expect a more sustained effort over a shorter distance. The steps are uniform but the climb is continuous. Take a short break at Shifeng before continuing. There is no shade on this section — wear sun protection.
Photo suggestion: Shifeng Peak looking back over Longjing Village — the classic tea-terrace composition with the village nestled in the valley below.
Shifeng Peak to Sanfena — ridge walk
~10-15 minFrom Shifeng, the trail continues along the ridge crest toward Sanfena. The gradient eases to a gentle rolling walk, with stone-paved path winding through tea terraces at ridge level. After approximately 10 minutes, the trail reaches Sanfena 三分岔 ('Three Forks') at approximately 340 metres — the highest point of the walk and the primary viewpoint. Sanfena is a three-way stone-paved junction marked by a direction signpost: left toward Meijiawu (the continuation for the one-way option), right toward Wuyun Mountain and Yunqi Bamboo Path, and back toward Longjing Village. The junction clearing offers an unobstructed 360° panorama — the layered tea-terrace hills of the Longjing area in every direction, with West Lake visible on the eastern horizon on clear days. This is the signature photo location and the natural turnaround point for the out-and-back.
Photo suggestion: Sanfena junction — the 360° panoramic viewpoint with terraced tea fields stretching in all directions.
Sanfena return to Longjing Village
~20-30 minThe return from Sanfena to Longjing Village follows the same stone-step path, now descending the climb you came up. The gradient is comfortable and the walking is easy — the descent takes approximately 20-25 minutes at a relaxed pace. The same views present themselves from the opposite direction, with Shifeng Peak and Longjing Village framed by the descending path. On reaching Longjing Village, reward yourself at one of the tea houses or restaurants — the village has numerous options ranging from simple tea stalls to sit-down restaurants serving Longjing shrimp (龙井虾仁), tea-soaked eggs (茶叶蛋), and farmhouse dishes. If you have energy and daylight remaining, the optional continuation from Sanfena toward Meijiawu adds approximately 25-30 minutes of ridge walking and a 25-30 minute descent to the Meijiawu bus stop, turning the walk into a one-way point-to-point.
Caution: The stone steps can be slippery when dry with tea-leaf dust — watch your footing on the descent, particularly on the steeper sections approaching Shifeng. The descent is quick — don't rush. The tea-tout area at the Longjing Village exit is most active in mid-afternoon; a polite '不用,谢谢' is sufficient.
Photo suggestion: The descending view from Shifeng toward Longjing Village with the tea terraces falling away in layers.
Photo Guide
Key photo points along the route. Real photos will be added after field checks.
Practical Notes
Food and water
Longjing Village has tea houses, restaurants, and shops at both the start and finish — stock up before ascending. Occasional vendor stalls operate at Sanfena on weekends selling water (~8 RMB) and cucumber (~5 RMB). No water sources on the ridge section between the archway and Sanfena. Carry at least 1 litre of water per person.
Toilets
Available at Longjing Village near the Shili Langdang archway (start and finish). No toilets on the ridge section. Use the village facilities before ascending.
Phone signal
Reliable throughout the entire route — the ridge has open sightlines to cell towers in the Longjing valley. No signal issues on any section.
Trail surface
Paved stone steps throughout the entire out-and-back. The steps are uniform and well-maintained. No dirt sections on the main route.
Out-and-back logistics
This is the simplest route in the entire site in terms of logistics — start and finish at the same village. No need to coordinate transport between different points. Bus 27 or 87 from the city drops you at Longjing Village and picks you up from the same stop for the return. This self-contained format makes it ideal for a spontaneous short walk.
One-way option (Sanfena to Meijiawu)
From Sanfena, continue toward Meijiawu instead of returning to Longjing. The ridge walk from Sanfena to the Meijiawu descent takes approximately 25-30 minutes, followed by a 25-30 minute descent to the Meijiawu bus stop. From Meijiawu, bus 103, 121, or 1314 connects to the city centre. This turns the walk into a ~5-7 km one-way traverse — a good option if you prefer not to retrace your steps.
Best photo spots
Two standout locations: (1) Shifeng Peak for the panorama looking back over Longjing Village — the classic tea-terrace composition; (2) Sanfena for the 360° view over the full Longjing tea-growing area. Both are best photographed in the morning light before the haze builds.
Early start recommendation
Start by 7:30-9:00 am for the best light and coolest temperatures. The Shifeng viewpoint is best photographed in the morning with the sun behind you. The Sanfena ridge is busiest between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on weekends. An early start also means you finish in time for lunch at a Longjing Village tea house.
Safety Notes
- The Longjing ascent is steeper than the Meijiawu approach — pace yourself on the continuous stone steps. The climb is shorter but more sustained.
- Stone steps can be slippery after rain or when coated with dry tea-leaf dust — wear shoes with good grip and watch your footing on the descent.
- Sun exposure is significant on the Shifeng and Sanfena ridge sections — there is no shade for the entire walk. Carry sun protection (hat, sunscreen) even on overcast days.
- Carry at least 1 litre of water per person — there are no water points between the village and Sanfena.
- Tea touts near the Longjing Village exit are common in the afternoon — a polite '不用,谢谢' (bu yong, xie xie) is sufficient. Do not engage with offers of free tea tastings.
Best Time to Go
Spring
RecommendedThe finest season. Active tea harvest (March-April) with farmers on the terraces. The Shifeng tea gardens are at their most vibrant green. Cherry blossoms along Longjing Road. Mild temperatures. Recommended.
Summer
Hot and exposed — the shade-free ascent from Longjing is strenuous in midday heat. Start before 7:30 am. Carry extra water. Mosquito repellent recommended at the village level.
Autumn
RecommendedClear skies, comfortable temperatures, and golden light on the terraces. Excellent visibility from Sanfena — West Lake is clearly visible on the horizon. Weekend traffic restrictions do not affect bus access. Recommended.
Winter
Quiet trails and cooler temperatures. The terraces are less lush but winter light produces clear, crisp photographs. The ridge can be windy — bring a windproof layer. The walk is still pleasant on dry winter 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 this walk suitable for beginners?
Yes — this is one of the most beginner-friendly walks in the entire site. The distance is short (3-5 km out-and-back), the out-and-back format allows you to turn around at any point if you feel tired, and the navigation is straightforward (one path up, the same path down). The ascent is steeper than the alternative from Meijiawu but the shorter distance makes it manageable for anyone with basic fitness. -
What is the highlight of this walk?
Shifeng Peak — the panoramic view over Longjing Village framed by terraced tea fields. The perspective looking back at the village climbing up the valley from below is the classic Longjing tea-country composition and the most photographed angle in the area. -
How does this differ from the Meijiawu to Longjing walk?
The Meijiawu to Longjing walk (just added) is a point-to-point that starts at Meijiawu, climbs a gentler stone-step ascent to Sanfena, and descends to Longjing — it requires a bus to the start and a different bus from the finish. This route starts and ends at the same village, the ascent is shorter and steeper, and the total distance is less. Choose this route for convenience and a quick outing; choose the Meijiawu route for a longer, more gradual ridge experience. -
Can I make this a loop or one-way instead of out-and-back?
Yes — from Sanfena, instead of returning to Longjing, take the left fork toward Meijiawu. This adds approximately 25-30 minutes of ridge walking followed by a 25-30 minute stone-step descent to the Meijiawu bus stop. The total becomes a ~5-7 km one-way traverse. From Meijiawu, bus 103, 121, or 1314 connects to the city centre. This is a good option if you prefer not to retrace your steps. -
How long does the walk take?
The out-and-back takes 1.5-2.5 hours at a relaxed pace with photo stops. If continuing one-way to Meijiawu, allow 2.5-3.5 hours total including the descent. The short duration makes this an ideal pre-lunch or late-afternoon outing. -
What Chinese place names should I save for this route?
Save these essential names: 龙井村 (Longjing Village, start/finish), 十里琅珰牌坊 (Shili Langdang archway), 狮峰 (Shifeng Peak), 三分岔 (Sanfena, ridge viewpoint). For transport: 龙井茶室站 (Longjing Tea Room bus stop). -
When should I start?
Start by 7:30-9:00 am for the best light on the tea terraces and the coolest temperatures. The Shifeng viewpoint is best photographed in morning light. The walk is short enough to start as late as 2:00 pm and still finish well before sunset. In summer, start before 7:30 am to avoid the heat on the exposed ridge. -
Is there phone signal on the trail?
Yes — signal is reliable throughout the route. The ridge has open sightlines to cell towers in the Longjing valley. Downloading offline maps is not necessary for this straightforward out-and-back, but is always a good practice.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.
Meijiawu to Longjing via Shili Langdang
The complementary point-to-point route in the opposite direction — starts at Meijiawu, ascends to Sanfena, descends to Longjing. Easy, ~5-7 km.
Longjing to Nine Creeks
A stream-valley walk from Longjing Village through Nine Creeks. Easy, ~6 km point-to-point.
Xiaoyawu to Meijiawu Ridge Traverse
Ridge traverse from Xiaoyawu through bamboo forest and tea hills to Meijiawu. ~6 km.
Field Notes
Route details are maintained through local notes, field checks, photo updates, and transport revisions.