Hangzhou summers are hot, but this 4–5 km half-day trail offers a cool escape. In hours, see green mountains, streams, and tea fields.
Start at Jiuxi. Trees block sun, drop temps. Moist air rises from streams. Hop stones or wade barefoot—a joy that beats heat. On misty days, "Jiuxi Smoke Trees" fits—fog drapes like ink art. Water, shade, greenery = natural AC.
Uphill, forest turns to tea terraces. Reach Longjing Village, 1,600-year-old home of Longjing tea, the "Queen of Green Tea." Views of emerald bushes cover slopes. Rest, sip tea with snacks, hear of Emperor Qianlong's praise.
Jiuxi is wild nature; Longjing is culture and fine tea. Together: scenery, heritage, refreshment.
This route suits all—easy, rewarding. Lace up, bring your camera, and enjoy a half-day that cools, recharges, and connects you to Hangzhou's soul.
We will pick you up at the hotel lobby. Your guide will be waiting for you there with a tour flag.
Jiuxi Smoke Trees, one of Hangzhou's New Ten West Lake Scenes, is the hiking route's core—a must-stop spot to truly savor. Its summer standout is the coolness. Hangzhou summers are famously stifling, yet stepping into Jiuxi drops the heat instantly. Tall, dense trees block the sun completely; only occasional light slips through leaves, sparkling on the stream without any scorch. Mist rises from the water, cooling your face and moistening every breath. Locals say it's several degrees cooler than downtown—after a walk, sweat fades, mind clears, and you feel recharged. Water defines this place. Countless streams wind down the valley, sometimes flooding the path into shallow puddles. Stone steps let you hop across like a child skipping rocks—it's hard not to smile. In summer, the best remedy is kicking off shoes and wading in; the cool stream flows over your feet, washing hike fatigue away.
Longjing Village has over 1,600 years of history and is the birthplace of West Lake Longjing tea, known as the "Home of Tea" and "Queen of Green Tea." Its tea ranks first among the four famed producing areas—Shi, Long, Yun, and Hu. Tea terraces roll in green waves from foothills to hilltops. When tired, find a farmhouse teahouse on the hillside, order freshly brewed Longjing tea with salted peanuts or snacks. Your guide may tell stories about the village. Legend says Emperor Qianlong once visited, tasted the tea, and loved it—you can follow his steps and try it yourself. Many visitors reach Longjing Village just as you do—trekking from Jiuxi. After splashing through streams, resting in shade, and sweating up the slopes, spotting the "Longjing Village" archway brings a quiet satisfaction that car travelers never feel. This place is not just the trail's end—it is your reward for the journey.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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