Hangzhou Hiking Guide: Tea Mountains & Countryside Trails

Hangzhou is not only famous for West Lake, but the surrounding tea mountains and countryside trails are also worth exploring. The hiking routes here will take you through the lush tea gardens, allowing you to admire the charming mountains and ancient villages, and experiencing the rich natural atmosphere and local charm of Hangzhou. This guide will help you understand the most beautiful hiking routes in Hangzhou and plan an unforgettable outdoor trip.

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Top Tea Mountain Hiking Trails in Hangzhou

Longjing Tea Mountain Loop Route
· Route (Loop Route)
Longjing Village - Ten Miles of Tinkling Bells - Meijiawu - Nine Streams and Eighteen Ravines - Longjing Village
· Total length: Approximately 8 kilometers
· Difficulty: Moderate (Some sections have steep slopes and stone steps)
· Time required: About 3 to 4 hours
· Best time: Spring and autumn seasons, especially during the tea-picking season (Tea Picking Season), when the scenery is at its most magnificent.
· Highlights
Ten Miles of Tinkling Bells: At the summit, you can overlook West Lake and the continuous tea mountains. In spring, the tea fields are lush and the tea-picking scene is truly spectacular. The view here is expansive, making it perfect for taking photos and enjoying the natural scenery of Hangzhou.
Nine Streams and Eighteen Ravines: The streams flow gently. In summer, you can play by the streams. In autumn, it's the most beautiful time for red maples. The red maples along the paths are in full bloom, forming a beautiful scenic line.
Longjing Village: Visit the historic Longjing Imperial Tea Garden. Learn about the history and production process of Longjing tea. You can also taste authentic Mingqian Tea (tea picked before the Qingming Festival). Longjing Village is the core area for experiencing Hangzhou's tea culture.
· Tips
Avoid the weekend rush: There are more tourists on weekends. It is recommended to set off in the early morning so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea mountains in a peaceful environment.
Wear anti-slip shoes: Some sections of the stone steps are quite steep, so it is necessary to wear suitable hiking shoes to ensure safe walking

Longwu Tea Town Hiking Route
· Route
Longwu Tea Town - Guangming Temple Reservoir - Xishan Forest Park - Hejia Village
· Total length: Approximately 5 kilometers
· Difficulty: Low (suitable for family outings, easy and relaxing)
· Time required: About 2 hours
· Best time: This is a gentle hiking trail that is suitable for travel throughout the year.
· Highlights
Guangming Temple Reservoir: The azure lake water blends beautifully with the tea gardens, presenting a charming scene. It is ideal for taking photos and having picnics. The lake surface is calm, surrounded by tea gardens, giving a sense of tranquility.
Xishan Forest Park: With a high forest coverage rate of 95%, it is an excellent place for summer relaxation. The air here is fresh, and the temperature is over 5? lower than that in the city center. It is an ideal choice for families or those with children to visit.
Hejia Village Market: The weekend market here is very distinctive. You can participate in teapot brewing and experience traditional tofu skin. You can also purchase golden-colored tofu skin as a souvenir to take home.
· Tips
Pet-friendly: The route is suitable for hiking with pets. Some sections require leashing.
Suitable for families and children: There are children's play facilities beside the reservoir, making it an ideal place for family outings.

Longjing Eight Scenery Trail (Ancient Tea Trail & Cultural Hiking)
· Route
This route is a representative one for the cultural hiking in Hangzhou. It passes through the Eight Scenic Views of Longjing and along the way, you can enjoy ancient pavilions, ancient bridges, tea gardens and a wealth of historical and cultural attractions.
· Total length: Approximately 3 to 5 kilometers
· Difficulty: Short and relaxing, it is perfect for leisure strolls or half-day hikes. It is especially suitable for tourists who want to learn about Hangzhou's tea culture.
· Time required: About 1.5 to 4 hours
· Best time: Spring (tea-picking season) and autumn
· Highlights
Ancient pavilions, ancient bridges and traditional tea gardens allow you to enjoy the beauty of nature while also experiencing the profound cultural heritage during your leisurely hiking.
· Tips
If you have limited time, this short route is perfect for you. It's ideal for a quick rest during your leisure time.