Longjing to Nine Creeks Hike

Alight at the Longjing Tea Room bus stop 龙井茶室站 (served by buses 27 and 87). Walk straight into the village past the '龙井村' stone archway. Follow the main paved lane through the village centre — tea houses and restaurants line both sides. At the far end of the village, the road narrows and the Nine Creeks stream-valley path begins. Look for the stone-slab path descending into the wooded valley. The transition from village to forest is immediate — the path surface changes from paved road to compacted gravel as the stream valley opens ahead.

Photo suggestion: The '龙井村' stone archway at the village entrance, with tea terraces rising behind.

This is the core of the walk. The path follows a broad, flat gravel-and-stone trail through a valley shaded by mature camphor, maple, and liquidambar trees. The stream runs alongside and repeatedly crosses the path — you will step across on flat stone slabs approximately 18 times, though the exact number varies with seasonal water levels. Each crossing is shallow (ankle-deep at most) and the stones are wide enough for a comfortable step. The gradient is negligible — the valley floor descends gently, making this one of the flattest walks in the site. Bamboo groves and moss-covered stone walls line the route. Small fish are visible in the clear pools between crossings. In summer, the valley is noticeably cooler than the surrounding city — the canopy cover and running water create a natural air-conditioning effect. Approximately mid-way, the path passes Li'an Temple 理安寺 on the right, a small Buddhist temple set back from the path (free entry, usually open during daylight hours).

Caution: The crossing stones can be slippery, particularly when damp or coated with a thin film of algae. Take each crossing deliberately — the water is shallow but a slip could mean wet feet. Mosquitoes are active along this entire section from May to October — repellent is essential. The path has no shops or toilets between Longjing Village and Jiuxi Yanshu — ensure you have water before leaving the village.

Photo suggestion: One of the 18 stone-slab stream crossings — flat stones, dappled light, and clear running water. The definitive image of the Nine Creeks path.

After approximately 1 hour on the stream path, the valley opens into a broader clearing. A jade-green pool fed by a low waterfall comes into view — this is Jiuxi Yanshu 九溪烟树 ('Nine Creeks in Mist'), the scenic centrepiece of the walk. The pool's colour comes from dissolved minerals in the stream water and changes with the light: turquoise in bright sun, deep emerald in overcast conditions. The waterfall is modest (approximately 5 metres) but picturesque, framed by mossy rocks and overhanging trees. A stone path circles the pool; the circuit takes about 5 minutes. A small plaque and stone marker identify the location. A bench near the pool provides a rest spot. During autumn (November-December), the maple trees around the pool turn brilliant red — this is the most photographed version of the scene. A public toilet is located near the pool area.

Photo suggestion: The Jiuxi Yanshu pool with its jade-green water and low waterfall. The signature image of the Nine Creeks area, especially in autumn with red maple foliage.

From the pool, follow the paved lane for approximately 800 metres to the Jiuxi bus stop 九溪站. The lane is lined with mature trees providing continuous shade. Tea fields and forested slopes flank both sides. An electric sightseeing shuttle runs along this section (8 RMB, one-way) for anyone who prefers not to walk the final stretch. At the bus stop, routes 4 (toward West Lake / Wulinmen), 39 (toward the train station area), and 308 (toward the south of the city) serve the city centre. Taxis are occasionally available at the bus stop area; a ride to central Hangzhou costs approximately 25-35 RMB.

Photo suggestion: The final tree-lined lane approaching the Jiuxi bus stop.