Longweiba Pond to Baiyan Ridge Loop Hike
A moderate hill loop from Changdai Village through bamboo forest to Baiyan Ridge — past Carp Kiss and Carp Leap pavilions, with open panoramic views across Longwu's tea country. More climb, more ridge, more solitude.
Changdai Village 长埭村 → Changdai Village 长埭村
Quick Facts
| Distance | ~4.7 km |
| Duration | 3–4 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation gain | ~456 m |
| Start | Changdai Village 长埭村 |
| Finish | Changdai Village 长埭村 |
| Area | Longwu Tea Village |
| Best season | March–May, September–November |
| Transport | Metro + bus / taxi / car |
| Crowd level | Low — notably quieter than Longweiba Pond and Guangming Reservoir trails |
| Toilets | At Changdai Village (start/finish area); none on the trail |
| Food/water | Bring your own — no vendors on the route. Changdai Village has small shops at the start. |
Route Summary
The Longweiba Pond to Baiyan Ridge Loop is the more challenging side of Longwu’s Longweiba trail system — a 4.7 km circuit that starts from Changdai Village, climbs through bamboo forest past Carp Kiss and Carp Leap pavilions, then continues onto the open Baiyan Ridge (白岩山) for a longer ridge traverse with panoramic tea-terrace views. Unlike the family loop that descends from Carp Leap Pavilion, this route pushes further onto the ridge, adding elevation (456 m total gain) and exposure for hikers seeking a more committed outing.
The trail shares its lower section with the family loop but diverges near the top into a different experience: worn stone steps with character, open ridge walking, and a steep descent with handrails that requires careful footing. It is noticeably quieter than both Longweiba Pond and Guangming Temple Reservoir — you are more likely to have the ridge to yourself here.
This guide is based on local hiker GPS traces and field notes and will be refined as formal field checks are completed. The route is suitable for hikers aged 12 and up with some hill-walking experience. Chinese place names are included throughout for navigation and communication with local drivers.
How to Get There
By metro + taxi
BestTake metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站 (Exit A), then taxi approximately 15 minutes to 长埭村 (Changdai Village). This is the most practical option. Show the driver 长埭村 or 龙尾巴山塘. The fare is approximately 25–35 RMB.
By metro + bus
Take metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, Meiyuan 美院象山站 (Exit A), then transfer to bus 331 or 1407. Alight at Longwu Tea Village 龙坞茶村站 or Shangchengdai 上城埭站, then walk 10–15 minutes south to Changdai Village 长埭村. Bus 103 from central Hangzhou (Wulinmen area) also reaches the Longwu area — alight at Longwu 龙坞站 and walk from there.
By car
Navigate to 长埭村 (Changdai Village) or 龙尾巴山塘 (Longweiba Pond). Parking is available along the village roadside where permitted — look for spaces near the village entrance. Arrive early on weekends as spaces fill by mid-morning.
Exit options
ReturnThe loop returns to Changdai Village 长埭村. From the village, walk 10–15 minutes to the main road for bus 331 or 1407 back toward the metro. Taxis can be hailed via ride-hailing apps from the village entrance.
Save these in your phone before starting: 长埭村 (Changdai Village, start/finish), 龙尾巴山塘 (Longweiba Pond), 鲤跃亭 (Carp Leap Pavilion), 白岩山 (Baiyan Ridge), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6). Essential for taxi drivers and navigation.
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.
Changdai Village to Longweiba Pond — the approach
~15–20 minStart from the centre of Changdai Village 长埭村, a small tea-village settlement in the southern part of Longwu. Follow the village road north toward Longweiba Pond 龙尾巴山塘, passing between tea plantations on both sides. The path is flat and paved — a gentle warm-up. You reach the pond at a small parking area where the trail surface transitions to stone steps. The pond itself is visible through the trees on your left.
Photo suggestion: Changdai Village approach with tea fields on both sides.
Longweiba Pond to Carp Kiss Pavilion — the ascent
~25–35 minFrom the Longweiba Pond parking area, pick up the Longweiba walking trail (龙尾巴游步道) heading uphill. The path is stone steps climbing through mixed forest, with bamboo groves providing good shade. Note that some of the stone steps on this section are worn and uneven in places — watch your footing, particularly on the older sections. After about 25 minutes you reach 鲤吻亭 (Carp Kiss Pavilion), a small rest pavilion with filtered views through the trees.
Caution: Some stone steps on this section are uneven and slightly damaged from weathering. Watch your footing and use trekking poles if you have them.
Photo suggestion: Stone steps climbing through bamboo forest toward Carp Kiss Pavilion.
Carp Kiss to Carp Leap Pavilion — steepest section
~20–30 minContinuing uphill from 鲤吻亭, the path steepens noticeably as it climbs toward 鲤跃亭 (Carp Leap Pavilion). The stone steps become narrower and more irregular in places. The bamboo forest begins to thin as you gain elevation, and glimpses of the surrounding hills appear through the canopy. Carp Leap Pavilion 鲤跃亭 is the high point before the ridge proper — a covered pavilion with the first open views east across the Longwu tea terraces toward the West Hill Forest Park ridge.
Caution: This is the steepest sustained section of the climb. Pace yourself and take a break at Carp Leap Pavilion before continuing onto the ridge.
Photo suggestion: Carp Leap Pavilion with emerging ridge views behind.
Carp Leap Pavilion to Baiyan Ridge — the ridge traverse
~30–40 minFrom 鲤跃亭, the trail continues climbing gently before reaching the Baiyan Ridge 白岩山 proper. This is the most rewarding section of the walk. The terrain opens up onto a broad ridge with undulating terrain — small climbs and dips that take you across several high points. The views extend in both directions: west across Longwu's layered tea terraces toward the villages below, and east toward the forested hills of the West Hill Forest Park system. On clear days the visibility is excellent. The ridge path is a mix of packed earth, exposed rock, and occasional stone steps.
Photo suggestion: Baiyan Ridge trail with tea-terrace views stretching toward Longwu village.
Baiyan Ridge descent to Changdai Village
~40–50 minThe descent from Baiyan Ridge is the most technically demanding section of the loop. The path descends via narrow stone steps that are steep in places — handrails are installed on the steepest sections for safety. Take your time here, particularly if the steps are damp. The path descends through mixed forest, transitioning from ridge exposure back to shaded woodland. After about 40 minutes you emerge at the edge of Changdai Village 长埭村, completing the loop. Total time: approximately 3–4 hours at a moderate pace.
Caution: The descent steps are narrow and steep in several sections. Handrails are present on the steepest parts — use them. If you have knee issues, trekking poles are strongly recommended. The steps can be slippery after rain.
Photo suggestion: Steep descent steps on the Baiyan Ridge slope with handrails visible.
Photo Guide
Key photo points along the route. Real photos will be added after field checks.
Practical Notes
Food and water
Bring your own water (at least 1.5 litres per person) and energy snacks — there are no food vendors on the route. Changdai Village 长埭村 has small local shops at the start where you can buy bottled water and basic supplies.
Toilets
Public toilets are available in Changdai Village near the start area. No toilets on the trail itself.
Phone signal
Mobile signal is generally reliable on the ascent and descent sections. The Baiyan Ridge has good coverage. Download offline maps as a backup before starting.
Trail surface
Stone steps (some uneven and worn on the ascent); packed earth and exposed rock on the ridge; narrow steep stone steps on the descent. The trail is more rugged than the main Longweiba Pond Family Loop.
Navigation
The route shares its lower sections with the Longweiba Pond Family Loop but diverges onto the Baiyan Ridge. Download a GPX track before starting — search for '龙尾巴山—白岩山环线' on the 两步路 (Two-Step Road) or 六只脚 app. The ridge junctions are generally clear, but the steep descent has a few forks where the correct path is not immediately obvious.
Difficulty assessment
This is a genuine moderate hike, not a family walk. The 456 m elevation gain is concentrated in the first half, with a sustained steep section between Carp Kiss and Carp Leap pavilions. The descent steps are narrow and require careful footing. Suitable for hikers aged 12 and up with some hiking experience. Not recommended for casual walkers or families with young children.
Trail condition note
Local hiker reports note that some stone steps on the ascent from Longweiba Pond are worn and uneven — part of the path's charm is its less-polished character compared to the main Longwu trails. The descent has handrails on the steepest sections but requires care, particularly after rain.
Parking
Parking is available along the roadside in Changdai Village where permitted. Spaces are limited — arrive before 9:00 am on weekends. Alternatively, use the West Hill Forest Park parking and walk 15 minutes south to Changdai Village.
Safety Notes
- The ascent includes worn, uneven stone steps in places. Watch your footing, especially on the steeper sections between Carp Kiss and Carp Leap pavilions.
- The descent from Baiyan Ridge has narrow, steep steps with handrails. Take your time — the handrails are there for a reason. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for knee support.
- Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the best seasons. Summer heat and humidity can make the exposed ridge strenuous — start before 8:00 am and carry extra water.
- The Baiyan Ridge section is exposed to full sun — bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) even on mild days.
- Some trail junctions may not have English signage. Save Chinese place names and download offline maps before starting.
- Avoid the route during or immediately after heavy rain — the worn stone steps become slippery and the steep descent becomes hazardous.
- This trail is quieter than other Longwu routes. Solo hikers should carry a power bank, tell someone their route plan, and have offline maps ready.
Best Time to Go
Spring
RecommendedExcellent season. Bamboo groves are vibrant green, the tea terraces are in active harvest, and the Baiyan Ridge views are clearest in spring light. Temperatures are comfortable for the climb. Recommended.
Summer
Hot and humid. The bamboo section offers shade but the Baiyan Ridge is fully exposed. Start before 7:00 am and carry at least 2 litres of water. The steep descent becomes more challenging in humid conditions.
Autumn
RecommendedIdeal conditions — clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent visibility from the ridge. The tea terraces are still green and the light is good for photography. Recommended.
Winter
Cool and very quiet. The trail is passable on dry days. The exposed ridge can be windy — bring a windproof layer. Fewer hikers mean you may have the ridge to yourself.
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 the Baiyan Ridge Loop suitable for beginners?
No — this is a genuine moderate hike. The 456 m elevation gain, uneven stone steps, and narrow steep descent make it unsuitable for beginners or casual walkers. Hikers with some hill-walking experience who are comfortable with sustained climbs and careful descents will find it manageable. For an easier introduction to the area, try the Longweiba Pond Family Loop (5 km, 200 m climb). -
How do I get to the trailhead without a car?
Take metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus 美院象山站 (Exit A), then taxi approximately 15 minutes to 长埭村 (Changdai Village). Show the driver 长埭村. Alternatively, take bus 331 or 1407 to Longwu Tea Village or Shangchengdai, then walk 10–15 minutes south to Changdai Village. -
How long does the Baiyan Ridge Loop take?
Most hikers complete the 4.7 km loop in 3–4 hours at a moderate pace with photo breaks. The 456 m elevation gain makes this feel longer than the distance suggests. A GPS-tracked local hiker completed it in 3 hours 14 minutes at a steady pace. -
What Chinese place names should I save for this route?
Save these in your phone before starting: 长埭村 (Changdai Village, start/finish), 龙尾巴山塘 (Longweiba Pond), 鲤跃亭 (Carp Leap Pavilion), 白岩山 (Baiyan Ridge), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6). -
What makes this trail different from the Longweiba Pond Family Loop?
This is the more challenging sibling of the family loop. Both routes share the first two waypoints (Longweiba Pond, Carp Kiss Pavilion) but diverge at Carp Leap Pavilion: the family loop descends from there, while this route continues onto the Baiyan Ridge for a longer ridge traverse with greater elevation gain (456 m vs 200 m), more exposed walking, and more demanding descent conditions. The Baiyan Ridge is also noticeably quieter — you will encounter far fewer hikers on this route. -
Is the trail safe after rain?
Use caution. The worn stone steps on the ascent become slippery, and the narrow steep descent steps are particularly hazardous when wet. Avoid the route during and immediately after heavy rain. If hiking after recent rain, wear grippy boots, use trekking poles, and take extra time on the descent handrail sections. -
Where can I find toilets and water on this route?
Toilets and basic supplies are available in Changdai Village at the start. There are no toilets, water sources, or food vendors on the trail itself. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person and all the food you will need. -
Can I do this hike if I don't speak Chinese?
Yes, with preparation. The route is quieter than other Longwu trails, so you may not have other hikers to ask for directions. Download a GPX track and offline maps before starting. Save the Chinese place names from this guide for taxi drivers. AMap (高德地图) has an English interface. The trail junctions are generally clear but having offline navigation is strongly recommended. -
Is this hike safe to do alone?
Generally yes for solo hikers with moderate experience, but this is a quieter trail than other Longwu routes — you may not encounter other hikers on the Baiyan Ridge section on weekdays. Phone signal is generally reliable. Carry a power bank, tell someone your route plan, and have offline maps and a GPX track downloaded before you start. -
Is there phone signal on the trail?
Mobile signal is generally reliable on the ascent and ridge sections. Some brief weak spots in the densest bamboo sections on the lower ascent. Download offline maps as a backup before starting. -
What time should I start this hike?
In summer, start before 7:00 am to avoid the midday heat on the exposed ridge. In spring and autumn, 8:00–9:00 am is a comfortable start time. In winter, 9:00–10:00 am works well. The hike takes 3–4 hours, so an early start leaves the afternoon free. -
Is this trail suitable for running?
Trail running is possible for experienced runners on the ridge section, but the uneven stone steps on the ascent and the narrow steep descent make it a technical run rather than a fast one. Most hikers will prefer to walk the steeper sections.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.
Longweiba Pond Family Loop
The easier sibling — a 5 km family loop through bamboo forest to Carp Leap Pavilion and back via Shangchengdai. 200 m climb.
Guangming Temple Reservoir Loop
A forested ridge walk through Longwu tea country with a reservoir finale. 5 km, 460 m climb, moderate.
Tofu Skin Ancient Path Family Loop
A historic trading path loop from Dayangwu Reservoir through bamboo forest. 4-5 km, 350 m climb.
Field Notes
Route details are maintained through local notes, field checks, photo updates, and transport revisions.