A bird's eye view at Shi Li Lang Dang Photo: Jin Yingying
Sunrise at Baoshi Mountain
Fun Places
By Jin Yingying Fang Jingyi
Hangzhou is a place where you can hike along the lush hillsides.
Here is a handy guide to these scenic hiking paths.
Jingci Temple-
Jiuyao Mountain- Prince Bay Park
Average time needed : 1-2 hours
Distance: 1.5km
Harshness: easy
You may choose to walk up the Jiuyao Mountain from the stair way on one side of Jingci Temple, the second prominent Buddhist temple around the West Lake, and descend to the Prince Bay Park, where tulips are still blooming. The hiking path is shaded and cool. However, as the weather heats up, it is recommended to bring some mosquito repellent.
Huanglong Cave - Chuyang Platform -
Hama Peak - Baochu Pagoda -
Broken Bridge
Average time needed: 1 hour
Distance: 2.6 km
Harshness: easy
Starting from the Huanglong Cave on the north side of Baoshi Mountain, this route goes towards one of the best places to have a bird's eye view of the West Lake--Chuyang Platform and Hama Peak. Hama Peak is also one of the most popular places to see the sunrise.
Yuquan- Laohe Mountain-
Northern Peak
Average time needed: 2-3 hours
Distance: 6km
Harshness: a little demanding
The route starts from the trail near the "West Gudang" bus station. The first part of walking up to the top of the Laohe Mountain is a little bit tiring, but the rest of the route will be much smooth. The Laohe Mountain is not very high, and you may have a break on the top to have a look at the whole West Lake from there. Many people also choose to get to the top from the walking path behind the Lingyin Temple, which usually takes about half an hour. There's a cable car station on the top, if you want an alternative to walking down the hill. The other end of the cable car is very close to Lingyin Temple at the mountain foot.
Wansong Academy-
Phoenix Mountain - Yuhuang Mountain
Average time needed: 2-3 hours
Distance: 8km
Harshness: a little demanding
The route starts from Jieyi Pavilion near Wansong Academy, a renowned place among the intellectuals in Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. After visiting the academy, you are advised to walk up the stone stairs to the Phoenix Mountain, and follow the signs to arrive at the top of the Yuhuang Mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of the West Lake. The top of the Yuhuang Mountain is perfect for seeing the sunset and night view of the West Lake.
Faxi Temple - Shi Li Lang Dang - Wuyun Mountain - Bamboo-Lined
Path at Yunqi -Meijiawu
Average time needed: 2-3 hours
Distance: 9.3km
Harshness: demanding
The route starts from Faxi Temple, another well known temple, and goes through "Shi Li Lang Dang" (ten-kilometer path winding through the mountains), which is hailed as the most artistic climbing route. You will also pass by the Longjing Tea Production Base, where farmers are busy picking up the fresh Longjing Tea leaves these days. Along the path are gorgeous scenes such as clear and gurgling creeks. Zhenji Temple is a sacred place to rest at the top of the Wuyun Mountain.
Longxiangqiao Metro Station -
Beishan Street - Baoshi Mountain -
Shihu Mountain - Yuegui Peak -
Jiuyao Mountain - Nanping Mountain -
Nanshan Road - Longxiangqiao Metro Station
Average time needed: 6-7 hours
Distance: 21 km
Harshness: very demanding
A heart-shaped route links several scenic spots into one long trail if you feel like being adventurous.