Meijiawu to Jiuxi via Shili Langdang & Nine Creeks Hike

From the Meijiawu bus stop 梅家坞站 on Meiling Road, cross the road to the Shili Langdang stone archway inscribed with '十里琅珰'. The stone-step path climbs through terraced tea fields toward the ridge — approximately 1,700 to 2,000 steps gaining roughly 200 metres over 1.5 km. The gradient is steady but not punishing; the steps are uniform and well-maintained. Calorie-burn markers set into the steps ('台阶第600级，已消耗94cal') provide motivational milestones. Tea terraces rise on both sides with the Meijiawu valley opening up behind you as you climb. After approximately 20 minutes, the path reaches Wenbi Peak 文碧峰, a modest summit with a flat stone observation area. A further 10-15 minutes of walking along the ridge crest brings you to Sanfena 三分岔 at approximately 340 metres — the highest point of the walk. The junction clearing offers an unobstructed 360° panorama: layered tea-terrace hills in every direction, with West Lake visible on the eastern horizon on clear days.

Caution: The step count sounds intimidating but the gradient is gentle — take breaks at the calorie markers. The path is exposed to sun for most of this segment — wear a hat and sunscreen. There are no water sources on the ridge.

Photo suggestion: Sanfena junction — the panoramic viewpoint with tea terraces stretching in all directions and West Lake on the horizon.

From Sanfena, take the left fork toward Longjing Village. The path climbs a short distance to Shifeng Peak 狮峰 — the historic heart of premium Longjing tea production — before beginning the descent through layered tea terraces. The stone-step path winds between tea bushes at shoulder height, with the rooftops of Longjing Village growing larger as you lose elevation. This is the most picturesque section of the ridge walk. After approximately 25 minutes, the trail reaches the lower Shili Langdang archway at the head of Longjing Village 龙井村.

Caution: The descent steps can be slippery when dry with loose tea-leaf debris. Watch your footing on the steeper sections. The village entrance area is popular for tea touts — a polite '不用,谢谢' is sufficient if you are not interested.

Photo suggestion: Tea-terrace descent from Shifeng toward Longjing Village — the classic tea-field composition with the village nestled in the valley.

Longjing Village has tea houses, restaurants, shops, and a public toilet. This is the last reliable provisioning point before the finish — restock water and snacks here. The village is one of the most historic tea settlements in China, home to the 'Imperial Tea' plaque and a long tradition of Dragon Well production. If you want a shorter walk, you can end here and take bus 27 or 87 from the 龙井茶室站 (Longjing Tea Room stop) toward the city centre. Otherwise, continue east through the village toward the Nine Creeks valley.

Photo suggestion: Longjing Village — the historic heart of Dragon Well tea production and the mid-point rest stop.

From the lower Shili Langdang archway at Longjing Village, follow the paved road east out of the village. After approximately 300 metres, the road narrows into a gravel-and-stone path that follows a stream valley downhill. This is the Nine Creeks path (九溪十八涧 — 'Nine Creeks, Eighteen Ravines'). The path crosses the stream repeatedly on flat stone slabs — 18 crossings in total, though the exact number depends on seasonal water levels. The valley floor is shaded by tall broadleaf trees (camphor, maple, and liquidambar), with mossy stone walls and bamboo groves on the slopes. The gradient is gentle throughout — a relaxed downhill walk with no significant climbing. The stream is shallow (ankle-deep at most crossing points) and clear, with small fish visible in the pools. In summer, this section is noticeably cooler than the exposed ridge. After approximately 1 hour, the path reaches Jiuxi Yanshu 九溪烟树 ('Nine Creeks in Mist') — a small scenic area centred on a jade-green pool fed by a low waterfall, framed by trees and moss-covered rocks. The pool's colour comes from the mineral content of the stream water and changes with the light — turquoise in bright sun, emerald green in overcast conditions. A stone path circles the pool; the waterfall is at the north end.

Caution: The stream crossing stones can be slippery, particularly on damp days or when coated with a thin film of algae. Take each crossing deliberately — the water is shallow but a slip could result in a wet foot. After heavy rain, some crossings may have water flowing over the stones. Mosquitoes are active along this entire section in warm months — repellent is essential.

Photo suggestion: One of the 18 Nine Creeks stream crossings — flat stone slabs, dappled light, and running water. The classic Hangzhou stream-valley image.

From the Jiuxi Yanshu pool, follow the paved lane for approximately 800 metres to the Jiuxi bus stop 九溪站. The lane runs between tea fields on one side and forested slopes on the other. An electric sightseeing shuttle runs along this section (8 RMB, one-way) if your legs prefer a rest. At the bus stop, routes 4, 39, and 308 serve the city centre. Route 4 runs toward the West Lake area and Wulinmen; route 308 toward the south of the city; route 39 toward the train station area. Check AMap for the best option from your location. If you left a car at Meijiawu, a taxi from Jiuxi back to Meijiawu takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around 15-20 RMB.

Photo suggestion: The Jiuxi Yanshu pool — jade-green water, low waterfall, and mossy rocks. The signature image of the Nine Creeks area.