Is Longweiba Pond suitable for young children?

Yes, for children aged 5 and up with some walking experience. The loop is 5 km with 200 m elevation gain. The stone steps require careful footing on the descent, but the distance is manageable and there are plenty of rest points. Not suitable for strollers beyond the initial pond section.

Can I picnic at Longweiba Pond?

Yes. The pond area has a lawn that is popular for picnics and casual camping. Pack a blanket and enjoy the view after completing the loop.

How do I navigate the trail?

The user recommends downloading a GPX track from the 两步路 (Two-Step Road) app before starting. The main path is reasonably clear, but the forest junctions can be confusing without navigation.

Is parking available at the trailhead?

Yes, but spaces are limited. There is a small parking area at the West Hill Forest Park gate. Roadside parking is possible where permitted. Weekday mornings are the easiest time to find a spot.

What Chinese place names should I save for this route?

Save these in your phone: 西山森林公园 (West Hill Forest Park, start/finish), 龙尾巴山塘 (Longweiba Pond), 龙坞 (Longwu area), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6). These are useful for taxi drivers and navigation.

What makes this trail different from Guangming Temple Reservoir?

This loop is shorter (5 km vs 5 km) with much less elevation gain (200 m vs 460 m), making it genuinely easier for families. The terrain is also more varied — pond, bamboo forest, ridge, and stream — in a compact loop. Guangming Temple is a more committed hike; this is a casual half-day outing.

Is Longweiba Pond as busy as Guangming Temple Reservoir?

No — Longweiba Pond is noticeably quieter. While Guangming Temple Reservoir has become a popular weekend destination with cafe stalls and crowds, Longweiba remains calm even on weekends. The pond-side lawn is rarely crowded, and you often have the ridge trail to yourself on weekday mornings. This makes it the better choice if you want a peaceful family outing without the market atmosphere.

Can I do this hike if I don't speak Chinese?

Yes. The trail itself does not require Chinese language skills. The path is well-defined and the area is popular with local families on weekends. We recommend saving the Chinese place names from the "Chinese Names to Copy" card on this page before setting out — they are useful for taxi drivers, bus signs, and map apps. AMap (高德地图) has an English interface and works well for navigation.

Is this hike safe to do alone?

Generally yes for solo walkers with some hiking experience, but note that Longwu is quieter than West Lake or Lingyin routes. You may encounter fewer people on weekdays. Phone signal is generally reliable on most of the route. As with any solo hike, tell someone your route plan, carry a power bank, and download offline maps before you start.

Is there phone signal on the trail?

Mobile signal is reliable throughout the loop. Downloading offline maps as a backup before you start is recommended, particularly for the bamboo forest section where signal may be weaker.

What time should I start this hike?

In summer (June–August), start before 7:00 am to avoid the midday heat and humidity — children are more sensitive to heat and the climb will feel harder in humidity. 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 approximately 2–4 hours with children, so an early start also helps you avoid crowds. Starting by noon still allows you to finish well before sunset.

Longweiba Pond surrounded by tea fields and forest in Longwu

Longweiba Pond Family Loop Hike

A family-friendly loop through tea plantations, bamboo forest, and a治愈 reservoir. Short distance, moderate steps, big scenery.

West Hill Forest Park Gate 杭州西山森林公园大门 → West Hill Forest Park Gate 杭州西山森林公园大门

Easy~5 km2–4 hFamily

👪 Families 🌟 First-time visitors 📷 Photographers

Draft Published: 2026-06-01 Field check: Planned

Quick Facts

Distance	~5 km
Duration	2–4 hours
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Elevation gain	~200 m
Start	West Hill Forest Park Gate 杭州西山森林公园大门
Finish	West Hill Forest Park Gate 杭州西山森林公园大门
Area	Longwu Tea Village

Best season	March–May, September–November
Transport	Metro + bus / taxi / car
Crowd level	Low on weekdays; quiet even on weekends
Toilets	At the park entrance parking area and at Shangchengdai Campground near the finish
Food/water	Bring your own — no vendors along the trail. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn by Longweiba Pond.

Route Summary

The Longweiba Pond Family Loop is one of Longwu’s most family-friendly walks — a compact 5 km circuit that visits a small reservoir, climbs through bamboo forest to a ridge pavilion, then descends past streams and tea fields back to the start. With only 200 m of elevation gain spread across gentle stone steps, it is manageable for children and casual hikers alike.

This guide is based on local hiker notes and will be refined as field checks are completed. The loop is particularly recommended for spring family outings, when the tea fields are green, the flowers are blooming, and the pond is calm. Download a GPX track before you go and carry your own water and snacks — there are no shops along the route. For the gentlest introduction to the area, try the lakeside meadow option: a flat 10-minute walk from the park entrance to the pond lawn, with a boardwalk loop around the water and zero climbing required.

How to Get There

Getting to the trailhead

By metro + bus

Best

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, then walk or take a short taxi to the West Hill Forest Park entrance 西山森林公园大门. Alternatively, take metro Line 3 to Liuxia 留下站 (Exit D) and transfer to bus 331 toward Longwu.

By metro + taxi

Take metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus 美院象山站 (Exit A), then taxi approximately 25 minutes to 杭州西山森林公园大门 (West Hill Forest Park Gate). This is the most practical option for families with children.

By bus

Bus 103 runs from市中心 (e.g. Wulinmen, Hangzhou Railway Station) toward Longwu via Lingyin Road — alight at Longwu 龙坞站, then walk 15–20 minutes to the West Hill Forest Park entrance. Mini-bus 1413M also serves the Longwu area from nearby metro stations. Check AMap for real-time routes and schedules.

By car

Navigate to 杭州西山森林公园 (West Hill Forest Park). Parking is limited — there are a small number of spaces at the park gate, or you can park along the roadside where permitted. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.

Getting back

Exit options

Return

The loop returns to the same parking area. From the West Hill Forest Park gate, buses run back toward Longwu village and the metro. Check AMap for real-time schedules, or hail a taxi using a ride-hailing app.

Chinese names to save

Save 西山森林公园 (West Hill Forest Park, start/finish), 龙尾巴山塘 (Longweiba Pond, the reservoir), 龙坞 (Longwu, the general area), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6) in your phone before setting out.

Chinese Names to CopyClick a name to copy it — show to taxi drivers or paste into AMap

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.

Park entrance to Longweiba Pond — the approach

~20–30 min

From the West Hill Forest Park 西山森林公园 entrance, follow the paved path gently downhill toward the reservoir. The road is wide and easy, suitable for strollers in good condition. After a short walk, the path opens onto Longweiba Pond 龙尾巴山塘 — a calm, green reservoir surrounded by tea plantations on one side and forested slopes on the other. The pond and adjacent lawn are popular for picnics and camping.

Photo suggestion: Longweiba Pond with tea terraces in the background.

Longweiba Pond to Carp Kiss Pavilion — the ascent

~25–35 min

From the pond, pick up the Longweiba walking trail 龙尾巴游步道 heading uphill. The path is mostly stone steps through mixed forest, with bamboo groves and tree cover providing good shade. The steps are well-maintained and manageable for children, though there is a steady incline. After about 25 minutes you reach 鲤吻亭 (Carp Kiss Pavilion), a small rest pavilion with filtered views through the trees. This is a good spot for a water break.

Photo suggestion: Stone steps ascending through bamboo forest with dappled light.

Carp Kiss Pavilion to Carp Leap Pavilion — the ridge section

~20–30 min

Continuing uphill from 鲤吻亭, the trail steepens briefly before reaching 鲤跃亭 (Carp Leap Pavilion), the high point of the loop. From here, on clear days, you can see across the tea terraces toward the hills beyond. The path levels out and begins a gentle descent. Spring brings blooming flowers along this section — azaleas, wild roses, and camellias.

Caution: The descent from Carp Leap Pavilion includes a short section of steep, narrow steps. Take it slowly, especially with children. The steps can be damp in places — wear grip shoes.

Photo suggestion: View from Carp Leap Pavilion overlooking tea fields.

Descent to Shangchengdai and return

~35–50 min

From 鲤跃亭, the trail descends through mixed forest and bamboo groves, with a stream running alongside in places — children will enjoy the running water and small bridge crossings. The path eventually emerges at 上城埭营房 (Shangchengdai Campground), an open area with flat ground. From here, a short flat walk along the access road returns you to the West Hill Forest Park entrance 西山森林公园大门 and the parking area.

Photo suggestion: Stream along the descent path with small bridge.

Photo Guide

Key photo points along the route. Real photos will be added after field checks.

Longweiba Pond reservoir surrounded by tea fields

Longweiba Pond 龙尾巴山塘 — the centrepiece of the loop, calm water framed by tea terraces.

Stone steps through bamboo forest on the ascent

Stone steps through bamboo groves on the way to Carp Kiss Pavilion — shaded and cool.

View from the ridge over Longwu's tea fields

View from near Carp Leap Pavilion — tea terraces stretch toward the hills.

Small stream and bridge on the descent path

Stream and bamboo along the descent — a favourite section for kids.

Practical Notes

🎒Essentials — Pack & Prepare

Food and water

Bring your own water and snacks — there are no food vendors along the loop itself. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the pond at the start or finish.

Toilets

Public toilets are available at the West Hill Forest Park entrance parking area. No toilets along the trail.

Phone signal

Mobile signal is reliable throughout the loop. Download the 两步路 (Two-Step Road) app or similar trail navigation app before starting — the user recommends having a GPX track loaded.

Trail surface

Paved access road at the start, stone steps on the ascent and descent, and dirt/gravel path along the ridge. The steps can be damp in places.

🗺️Logistics — Route & Access

Family suitability

This loop is suitable for children with some hiking experience. The full 5 km circuit with 200 m elevation gain works well for children aged 5 and up. For younger children (ages 3–4), choose the short family loop option (2–3 km, 80–120 m climb) or the lakeside meadow option (0 climb, 1 km boardwalk). The full loop's steep step sections require careful supervision and are not suitable for strollers beyond the initial paved path. See the practical notes above for the shorter variant directions.

Parking

Parking is有限 at the West Hill Forest Park gate. Spaces can also be found along the roadside where permitted. Arrive early on weekends.

Lakeside meadow option — zero climb

If you prefer not to climb the ridge at all, simply walk from the park entrance down to Longweiba Pond (10 minutes, flat paved path) and spend your time on the lawn by the water. The pond shore has a boardwalk path and wooden pavilions — you can walk a gentle 1 km loop around the pond edge with no elevation gain. This option takes 30–45 minutes and works for pushchairs, toddlers, and anyone who just wants a picnic spot with a view.

Short family loop — 2–3 km, 80–120 m climb

For families who want a taste of the ridge without the full 5 km circuit: from Longweiba Pond, take the stone steps (龙尾巴游步道) uphill for about 20 minutes to the first viewpoint overlooking the pond. Then return via the dirt path that descends directly back to the pond lawn. This short out-and-back or mini-loop takes 1–1.5 hours and is suitable for children aged 3 and up. It skips the Carp Kiss and Carp Leap pavilions but still gives you the bamboo forest, the viewpoint, and the meadow.

Safety Notes

The descent includes narrow, steep steps. Hold handrails where available and watch footing on damp surfaces.
Some steps have running water across them — wear waterproof or grip-soled shoes.
Limited food and water along the route. Carry at least 1 litre per person and snacks for children.
Download the trail GPX ahead of time using 两步路 (Two-Step Road) or a similar app — the user notes this is essential to avoid getting lost.
Spring flowers along the ridge are beautiful but watch for bees near blooming bushes.
The ridge section between Carp Kiss and Carp Leap pavilions has limited shade on hot days. Carry sun protection and extra water for children on summer outings.

Best Time to Go

Spring

Recommended

Perfect season. Tea terraces are lush green, flowers bloom along the ridge, and temperatures are comfortable. Ideal for families.

Summer

Hot and humid. The bamboo forest offers good shade, but the exposed sections near the pond can be intense. Start early.

Autumn

Recommended

Comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Good visibility from Carp Leap Pavilion. Recommended.

Winter

Cooler and quieter. The trail is walkable on dry days. The pond views are still pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Short answers to common planning questions about transport, Chinese place names, timing, and safety for this route.

Is Longweiba Pond suitable for young children?

Yes, for children aged 5 and up with some walking experience. The loop is 5 km with 200 m elevation gain. The stone steps require careful footing on the descent, but the distance is manageable and there are plenty of rest points. Not suitable for strollers beyond the initial pond section.
Can I picnic at Longweiba Pond?

Yes. The pond area has a lawn that is popular for picnics and casual camping. Pack a blanket and enjoy the view after completing the loop.
How do I navigate the trail?

The user recommends downloading a GPX track from the 两步路 (Two-Step Road) app before starting. The main path is reasonably clear, but the forest junctions can be confusing without navigation.
Is parking available at the trailhead?

Yes, but spaces are limited. There is a small parking area at the West Hill Forest Park gate. Roadside parking is possible where permitted. Weekday mornings are the easiest time to find a spot.
What Chinese place names should I save for this route?

Save these in your phone: 西山森林公园 (West Hill Forest Park, start/finish), 龙尾巴山塘 (Longweiba Pond), 龙坞 (Longwu area), and 美院象山站 (Xiangshan Campus metro, Line 6). These are useful for taxi drivers and navigation.
What makes this trail different from Guangming Temple Reservoir?

This loop is shorter (5 km vs 5 km) with much less elevation gain (200 m vs 460 m), making it genuinely easier for families. The terrain is also more varied — pond, bamboo forest, ridge, and stream — in a compact loop. Guangming Temple is a more committed hike; this is a casual half-day outing.
Is Longweiba Pond as busy as Guangming Temple Reservoir?

No — Longweiba Pond is noticeably quieter. While Guangming Temple Reservoir has become a popular weekend destination with cafe stalls and crowds, Longweiba remains calm even on weekends. The pond-side lawn is rarely crowded, and you often have the ridge trail to yourself on weekday mornings. This makes it the better choice if you want a peaceful family outing without the market atmosphere.
Can I do this hike if I don't speak Chinese?

Yes. The trail itself does not require Chinese language skills. The path is well-defined and the area is popular with local families on weekends. We recommend saving the Chinese place names from the "Chinese Names to Copy" card on this page before setting out — they are useful for taxi drivers, bus signs, and map apps. AMap (高德地图) has an English interface and works well for navigation.
Is this hike safe to do alone?

Generally yes for solo walkers with some hiking experience, but note that Longwu is quieter than West Lake or Lingyin routes. You may encounter fewer people on weekdays. Phone signal is generally reliable on most of the route. As with any solo hike, tell someone your route plan, carry a power bank, and download offline maps before you start.
Is there phone signal on the trail?

Mobile signal is reliable throughout the loop. Downloading offline maps as a backup before you start is recommended, particularly for the bamboo forest section where signal may be weaker.
What time should I start this hike?

In summer (June–August), start before 7:00 am to avoid the midday heat and humidity — children are more sensitive to heat and the climb will feel harder in humidity. 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 approximately 2–4 hours with children, so an early start also helps you avoid crowds. Starting by noon still allows you to finish well before sunset.

Nearby Routes

Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.

Guangming Temple Reservoir Loop

A forested ridge walk through Longwu tea country with a reservoir finale. 5 km, 460 m climb, moderate.

Tea fieldsReservoirModerate climbLongwu

Longjing to Nine Creeks

Tea fields, forest paths, and a shaded stream valley. Easy and accessible.

Tea fieldsEasyStreamsFirst-timers

Meijiawu Tea Village Walk

A gentle walk through tea terraces south of West Lake.

Tea villagesEasy walkHalf-day

Planned

Field Notes

Route details are maintained through local notes, field checks, photo updates, and transport revisions.

Written by: Hangzhou Hiking Guide

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