Tofu Skin Ancient Path Loop Hike

Start at the Dayangwu Reservoir 大洋坞水库 parking area. The reservoir itself is the first attraction — locals call it 'Hangzhou's Little Jiuzhaigou' for its jade-green water. Take a moment here before picking up the trail. From the reservoir's north end, follow the wide path that leads into the forest. Within a few minutes you reach the entrance to the Tofu Skin Ancient Path 豆腐皮古道 — look for the stone markers. The path transitions from gravel to wide stone steps as it enters the bamboo grove.

Caution: The reservoir bank is unfenced in places. Keep a close eye on young children near the water's edge.

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

The Tofu Skin Ancient Path 豆腐皮古道 climbs steadily through dense bamboo forest. The path is paved with wide, worn stone slabs — the same stones that villagers used centuries ago when carrying tofu skin (豆腐皮) over the ridge to sell in Hangzhou city. The bamboo canopy keeps this section cool and shaded. After about 25 minutes you reach the East Nunnery Ruins 东庵遗址 — a clearing with stone foundations marking what was once a mountain nunnery. This is a natural rest stop with flat ground and filtered views through the trees.

Caution: The stone slabs can be slippery when damp, particularly in the early morning or after rain. Wear grippy shoes.

Photo suggestion: Ancient stone path ascending through bamboo forest with dappled light.

Beyond the nunnery ruins, the path steepens as it climbs toward Dade Ridge 大德岭. The surface changes from wide stone slabs to narrower stone steps with some packed dirt sections. The bamboo forest begins to thin out and you catch glimpses of the hills opening up behind you. At the three main junctions along this section, the rule is simple: always bear right. The path tops out at Dade Ridge 大德岭, a broad saddle where the terrain levels noticeably. Catch your breath here — views are about to open up.

Caution: There are 3 minor junctions on this section — always bear right. Bearing left at any of them leads to unmarked side paths or dead ends.

Photo suggestion: The climb toward Dade Ridge with bamboo thinning and views opening behind.

From Dade Ridge 大德岭, the trail follows the ridgeline south toward Feifengyan Observation Deck 飞凤岩观景台 — the high point of the loop. This section is the most scenic of the walk. The path skirts the edge of the ridge with open views east over Dayangwu Reservoir and the surrounding tea terraces. In spring, azaleas (映山红) line both sides of the trail. Feifengyan Observation Deck 飞凤岩观景台 is a wooden platform with panoramic views — you can see the full arc of the reservoir, the patchwork of tea fields beyond, and the forested hills stretching toward the Dongtian Mountains on the horizon.

Photo suggestion: Feifengyan Observation Deck overlooking Dayangwu Reservoir and tea terraces.

From Feifengyan, the path continues along the ridge before beginning a gentle descent toward Jianyuan Ting 鉴远亭. The bamboo forest returns as you lose elevation, providing shade. Jianyuan Ting 鉴远亭 is a covered rest pavilion — on weekends there is often a small self-service water stall here (scan to pay). This is a good spot for a longer break and snack refuel. The pavilion has benches and filtered views back toward the ridge you just walked.

Photo suggestion: Jianyuan Ting rest pavilion with forest surroundings.

From Jianyuan Ting 鉴远亭, the trail descends through mixed forest and tea plantation edges back toward Dayangwu Reservoir. This section is a gentle downhill on packed dirt and stone paths. The forest gives way to open tea terraces as you near the valley floor. You emerge at the south end of the reservoir — follow the shoreline path back to the parking area where you started. Total time: approximately 3 hours at a family pace with breaks.

Photo suggestion: Tea terraces on the final descent toward the reservoir.