Xiaoyawu to Meijiawu Ridge Traverse Hike

From the 小牙坞 bus stop on Meiling Road, cross to the north side and look for the trail entrance directly behind the bus stop, opposite the security booth. The path starts as a narrow dirt track heading immediately uphill into dense mixed woodland — this is the most sustained climb of the traverse. The surface is a mix of packed earth and loose gravel, with roots and rocks underfoot. Tree cover is dense, providing good shade. After approximately 15 minutes, the trail passes patches of azalea bushes (rhododendron — in bloom April–May). For families, this section is an opportunity to spot insects, birds, and seasonal wildflowers — let the children lead at their own pace. The gradient eases briefly at several false summits before the trail opens onto the broader ridgeline near 天竺山 (Tianzhu Mountain, 412 m, also known as Tianmen Peak). The final push is rewarded with the first wide views over the Meijiawu valley behind you.

Caution: This is the hardest section of the entire traverse — a sustained, unrelenting climb on wild trail with no steps or paving. Poles are strongly recommended. The loose gravel surface can be slippery, especially on the steeper pitches. Take frequent breaks — children will need encouragement and water stops. Allow more time than you think.

Photo suggestion: Wild forest trail climbing from Xiaoyawu with azalea bushes along the path.

From Tianzhu Mountain, the trail levels onto the Shili Langdang (十里琅珰) ridge — a well-maintained stone-paved path that is one of Hangzhou's classic hiking corridors. The terrain here is gentle, with short rises and long flat sections running along the crest of the hills. To your left (south) the Meijiawu valley spreads out in layers of tea terraces; to your right (north) the West Lake basin appears on clear days. After approximately 25 minutes you reach 三分叉 (Sanfencha, 'Three-Way Fork'), the highest point of the entire West Lake tea region at 340 metres. A weathered direction stone marks the three paths: back toward Meijiawu, onward to Longjing Village and Tianzhu, and right toward Wuyun Mountain and Yunqi Bamboo Path. Sanfencha was historically known as 关林场 (Guanlinchang), site of a former Guandi Temple now reduced to foundations, and was part of the 三分场 tea plantation established in the 1920s by Gao Yitai, a renowned Hangzhou textile merchant who planted this area with long-lived 群体种 (qunzhongzhong) tea bushes — some of the oldest in the region. From Sanfencha, continue south for another 10 minutes to reach 瞭望亭 (Liaowang Pavilion), a wooden viewpoint pavilion with a commanding panorama over the tea-terraced hillsides sloping down to Meijiawu and, beyond, the broader sweep of the West Lake hills.

Caution: The Shili Langdang path is shared with other hikers, trail runners, and the occasional mountain biker — stay aware, especially with children. The ridge is exposed on windy days. Sanfencha can get busy on fine weekends.

Photo suggestion: Sanfencha — the three-way junction with Longjing tea terraces below.

From 瞭望亭, the Shili Langdang stone path continues south. After approximately 1.6 km of walking on this stone-paved trail — which is notably uneven and can feel jarring underfoot — look carefully for an unmarked dirt path branching off to the right (west). This turn-off is easy to miss: it is a narrow gap in the vegetation with no signpost. If you reach the point where the paved path begins a steady climb toward Zhenji Temple and Wuyun Mountain, you have gone too far. The correct descent path drops into the 西山游步道 (West Hill Forest Trail) system — a stone-step path that descends through dense bamboo and broadleaf forest. The steps are well-built but irregular, requiring careful foot placement. The canopy here is thick, creating a tunnel-like atmosphere.

Caution: The turn-off from the paved path is unmarked and easy to overshoot. If you miss it and continue to Zhenji Temple, you can still descend via Yunqi Bamboo Path (adds ~1 km and 30 minutes). Pay close attention to your offline map at this point. The stone steps of the West Hill Trail can be slick after rain.

Photo suggestion: West Hill Forest Trail stone steps descending through bamboo forest.

The West Hill Trail stone steps eventually transition to a narrower dirt path that descents through a final section of tall trees. The gradient here is gentle but the trail narrows to single-file width — you may need to steady yourself against tree trunks on the tighter switchbacks. Children tend to enjoy this section as a 'forest adventure' requiring balance and care. After approximately 0.9 km, the trail emerges from the trees directly into the tea terraces at the upper edge of 梅家坞村 (Meijiawu Village), a historic tea village of over 500 households that has been producing Longjing tea for more than 600 years. Follow the paved lane downhill through the village. The main road and bus stops are a 10-minute walk from the trail exit. Before leaving, consider visiting the 周恩来总理纪念室 (Zhou Enlai Memorial Room) in the village centre — a free museum housed in a late-Qing/early-Republic courtyard building where Zhou Enlai presided over rural development meetings during his five visits to Meijiawu between 1953 and 1962. The memorial is open 8:30–11:00 and 14:00–16:00 (closed Fridays on an irregular schedule).

Caution: The final dirt path is narrow and can be slippery after rain. Take it slowly — especially with children. The trail exit feeds directly into the tea terraces; stay on the path and do not walk through the planted tea bushes.

Photo suggestion: Forest descent path emerging into Meijiawu tea terraces.