Dragon’s Brew & Emerald Trails: A Mythical Day Hike Through Hangzhou’s Nine Creeks
Explore Hangzhou’s hidden gem with this immersive day trip, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local flavors.
Why This Route Works
Balanced Pace: Combines moderate hiking (5-7 km) with cultural stops, avoiding fatigue.
Cultural Depth: Tea tastings, historic villages, and poetic landscapes embody Hangzhou’s essence.
Hidden Gems: From smoky morning mists at Jiuxi Yanshu to Yangmeiling’s orchards, every turn reveals a postcard-worthy scene.
Practical Tips
Footwear: Wear waterproof hiking shoes - stream crossings and mossy stones can be slippery.
Essentials: Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle (refill at streams), and snacks like shaobing (sesame flatbread).
Best Season: April–October for lush foliage and flowing streams.
Final Touch: End your day with a sunset stroll along West Lake, just 5 km away, to reflect on the tranquility of nature and tradition.
Your Itinerary
Morning: Into the Verdant Valley
Departure & Arrival
Transport: Take Bus 27, 308, or Y10 to 九溪站 (Jiuxi Station). For a scenic start, consider cycling from West Lake (rent via Alipay/WeChat Pay).
Entry: Arrive at 九溪烟树公园 (Jiuxi Yanshu Park), the trailhead. Tickets cost ¥50 (open 8:00–17:00).
Jiuxi Yanshu to Longjing Village
Highlights
九溪烟树 (Smoky Trees of Nine Creeks): A UNESCO-recognized vista where maple leaves and turquoise streams mirror each other, especially photogenic after rain.
Stepping Stones: Cross six streams that flow over the path, adding playful charm to the hike.
Tea Terraces: Pass through emerald-green Dragon Well tea fields, learning why this area produces China’s finest tea.
Midday: Cultural Immersion in Longjing Village
Lunch & Tea Experience
Lunch: Dine at a village teahouse. Try 龙井虾仁 (Dragon Well Shrimp) and 东坡肉 (Dongpo Pork).
Tea Tasting: Visit a family-run tea house to sample freshly brewed Longjing tea and watch traditional pan-firing techniques.
Afternoon: Deeper Into the Gullies
Longjing Village to Yangmeiling Village
Route: Follow the trail through 十八涧 (Eighteen Gullies), where bamboo groves and ancient trees create a shaded canopy.
理安寺遗址 (Li’an Temple Ruins): A quiet stop with moss-covered stones and historical remnants.
杨梅岭村 (Yangmeiling Village): A picturesque hamlet surrounded by tea fields and 50 acres of 杨梅 (Chinese bayberry) orchards.
Optional Detour: Yunqi Bamboo Path
For extra adventure, hike to 云栖竹径 (Yunqi Zhujing), a serene bamboo forest with stone paths once used by monks.
