Tofu Skin Ancient Path Classic Loop Hike

From the West Hill Forest Park east gate 西山森林公园东门, follow the paved road past the forest fire station and a natural spring-water collection point. The road soon narrows and transitions into the West Hill Forest Trail (西山游步道) — a steep stone-step path that climbs through dense bamboo forest. This is the first sustained ascent of the day and serves as a warm-up for what lies ahead. After about 15 minutes you reach Dadoushan Pavilion 大斗山亭子, a simple rest shelter with filtered views through the canopy. Continue climbing another 25 minutes to reach Jianyuan Ting 鉴远亭, a larger pavilion at a trail crossing. On weekends, a self-service water stall sometimes operates here (scan-to-pay).

Caution: **Critical navigation point.** At Jianyuan Ting, do not continue on the main stone steps. Instead, take the small dirt path on the side — it descends toward Dayangwu Reservoir and is marked in the direction of Dongwushan Village 东坞山村. Continuing on the stone steps leads away from the intended route.

Photo suggestion: Steep stone steps ascending through bamboo forest on the West Hill Forest Trail.

From Jianyuan Ting 鉴远亭, the dirt path descends through mixed forest on a natural surface — a welcome change after the stone steps. The trail is primarily packed earth with gentle switchbacks, making for an easy descent. Listen for the sounds of the forest opening up ahead. After about 30 minutes, the vegetation clears and you arrive at Dayangwu Reservoir 大洋坞水库 — a striking jade-green body of water framed by bamboo-covered hills. Local hikers call this 'Hangzhou's Little Jiuzhaigou' for the clarity and colour of the water. A small vendor at the reservoir sells tofu skin snacks, drinks, and ice cream.

Photo suggestion: Dayangwu Reservoir — jade-green water framed by bamboo and forested hills.

From the reservoir vendor area, follow the inconspicuous trail entrance that leads into the forest — this is the start of the Tofu Skin Ancient Path 豆腐皮古道, the historic heart of the route. The path is paved with wide, worn stone slabs, the same stones that local villagers used from the Sui-Tang period onward when carrying tofu skin (豆腐皮) over the ridge to markets and monasteries in Hangzhou. The bamboo canopy keeps this section cool and shaded. After 20–25 minutes you reach the East Nunnery Ruins 东庵遗址, a clearing with stone foundations marking what was once a mountain nunnery. Beyond the ruins, the path steepens as it climbs toward Dade Ridge 大德岭. There are 3 minor junctions along this section — always bear right at each one. The path tops out at Dade Ridge, a broad saddle, then climbs again to reach Feifengyan Observation Deck 飞凤岩观景台, the high point of the loop. The observation deck offers panoramic views over Dayangwu Reservoir, the patchwork of tea terraces in the valley, and the forested hills stretching toward the Dongtian Mountains. A national flag marks the summit.

Caution: 3 junctions on this section — always bear right. Bearing left leads to unmarked side paths.

Photo suggestion: Ancient stone path climbing through bamboo forest with dappled light filtering through the canopy.

From Feifengyan Observation Deck, follow the ridge path heading southwest. The terrain undulates gently along the ridgeline with open views on both sides — tea terraces to the east and forested slopes to the west. In spring (March–May), azaleas (映山红) bloom along the trail edges, adding splashes of pink to the green landscape. After about 25 minutes you reach Yi Cui Ting 挹翠亭, a covered rest pavilion perched on the ridge with sweeping views over the Longwu tea fields. This is a natural lunch spot and the last point with wide views before the descent begins.

Photo suggestion: Ridge path near Yi Cui Ting with azaleas in bloom and tea terraces below.

From Yi Cui Ting 挹翠亭, the trail begins its descent toward the valley. The path is predominantly stone steps with some packed-earth sections, passing through a transition from forest edge to open tea plantations. As you lose elevation, the Longwu thousand-mu tea fields (龙坞千亩茶园) gradually unfold below — layer upon layer of terraced tea bushes covering the hillsides. The path reaches Hejia Village 何家村, a small settlement with a village market (何家村集市) that has cafe stalls, tea vendors, and occasional food options. From Hejia Village, a flat paved path leads to Guangming Temple Reservoir 光明寺水库, a second reservoir surrounded by tea fields and bamboo groves. The reservoir area is popular with local visitors for its calm waters and the tea-field backdrop. Occasional coffee tricycles set up here on weekends.

Photo suggestion: Longwu thousand-mu tea terraces descending toward Hejia Village.

From Guangming Temple Reservoir 光明寺水库, follow the paved shore path that skirts the reservoir's edge. The walking is flat and easy — the relaxed finish after the day's climbing. The path continues through a short section of village road before arriving back at the West Hill Forest Park east gate 西山森林公园东门 where you started. Total loop time: approximately 4–6 hours at a moderate pace with photo stops and breaks.

Photo suggestion: Guangming Temple Reservoir with tea terraces in the foreground and bamboo hills behind.