4 Amazing Family Hiking Routes in the West Lake Mountains Without Leaving Hangzhou!
Preface
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has significantly impacted everyone's lives, studies, and work. For children in particular, traveling has become a luxury. Almost all major universities have now issued guidelines requiring students to stay within their province during winter and summer vacations, and within the city limits for short holidays and weekends.
Living in Hangzhou, especially for children who grew up in the city, is undoubtedly a blessing! Hangzhou is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the city on one side. When I was little, my parents would put me in a stroller to visit West Lake. When I was older, I could follow my parents on hikes around the West Lake and mountains.
The West Lake mountains can be divided into four categories according to their height:
The first category is below 50 meters above sea level, such as Gushan, Dingjiashan and Xizhaoshan;
The second category is about 50 to 150 meters above sea level;
The third category is about 150 to 250 meters above sea level;
The fourth category is the outer peaks of the West Lake Mountains with an altitude between 250 and 450 meters.
For families with children aged 4-8, we recommend a 3-5km daily hike. We recommend the following four hiking routes, tailored to the scenery and season.
Yuhang Jingshan
Hiking distance: about 4 kilometers
Strength: ⭐
Cumulative climb: 350 meters
Maximum altitude: 527 meters
Suitable age for children: 6 years old and above
Ticket price: 20 yuan (Jingshan Temple)
Activity time: about 4 hours
Theme scenery: Ancient temples from the Tang Dynasty, tea fields and bamboo forests along the way
Starting from the starting point of the Jingshan Ancient Trail, the trail ascends gently along the steps, passing tea plantations and forests. The one-way journey is about 2 kilometers to Jingshan Temple. Enjoy the scenery and take photos along the way, and the journey takes about an hour to reach Jingshan Temple. Built during the Tianbao period of the Tang Dynasty, Jingshan Temple boasts a history of approximately 1,200 years and is considered one of the five great Zen temples in Jiangnan. Temple cards offer free admission. It's recommended to arrive at the starting point around 10 AM. Parking is limited, so if you arrive late, you can park at a roadside farmhouse. The fee is about 30 yuan per day. You can have lunch at Jingshan Temple and return around 2:00 or 3:00 PM.
Nine-Star Flying Cherry Blossoms
Hiking distance: about 3 kilometers
Strength: ⭐
Cumulative climb: 172 meters
Maximum altitude: 199 meters
Suitable age for children: 4 years old and above
Ticket price: 0 yuan
Activity duration: about 2 hours
Theme scenery: Climb up to Jiuyao Pavilion to overlook West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda, and enjoy the flowers in Taizi Bay
This is a lesser-known hiking trail by West Lake. Weekend hikes are less frequent, making it a great place for a leisurely family outing. The short hike is perfect for children around three years old. Start at the trail entrance near Changqiao Bus Station and continue along Nanping Mountain to Jiuyao Pavilion.
The descent ends at Tingtaoju in Taiziwan. If you're visiting Taiziwan to enjoy the flowers in March or April, this route is worth trying. Avoid the crowds on Nanshan Road and enter Taiziwan through the mountains.
Longjing Tea
Hiking distance: about 3 kilometers
Strength: ⭐
Cumulative climb: 300 meters
Maximum altitude: 333 meters
Suitable age for children: 4 years old and above
Ticket price: 0 yuan
Activity time: about 3 hours
Theme scenery: Tea mountain hiking, Longjing tea tasting
Starting from Shangtianzhu, head towards Yangfengling to Fanyin Pavilion, then continue to the three-way fork. After about 300 meters, descend the mountain towards Meijiawu. This route selects the best section of the Shililangdang route. The hike is easy, with shade trees along the uphill climb, and panoramic views of tea mountains and Hangzhou countryside.
Along the way, you'll see tea farmers, wearing bamboo hats and carrying tea baskets, busy in the tea fields. After descending the mountain, head to Meijiawu and find a teahouse. Facing the tea mountains, quietly sip a cup of tea, and the fatigue of the hike will instantly heal.
Jade Emperor Flying Cloud
Hiking distance: about 5 kilometers
Strength: ⭐⭐
Cumulative climb: 343 meters
Maximum altitude: 240 meters
Suitable age for children: 5 years old and above
Ticket price: 0 yuan
Activity time: about 4-5 hours
Theme scenery: Exploring Zilai Cave and climbing up to Fuxingguan for a panoramic view
Starting near Wansong Academy, the hike passes Phoenix Mountain and reaches Jade Emperor Mountain. From the summit, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Leifeng Pagoda, the Global Center at West Lake Cultural Plaza, and Wangchen Pavilion halfway up the mountain, overlooking the Bagua Fields. The hike is approximately 5 kilometers and takes 2.5-3 hours. This route is more strenuous than the previous ones, with a continuous uphill climb of about 1 kilometer, making it quite demanding. Young children or parents who don't exercise regularly may find this a bit strenuous.
Hangzhou is already warming up in May, making it the perfect time to visit Yuhuang Mountain. Entering Zilai Cave feels like stepping into a natural icehouse on a scorching summer day, offering a refreshing coolness. The caves within caves are deep and mysterious. From the terrace, you can even overlook Bagua Field!
The scenery is also amazing when you reach the viewing platform next to Fuxing Temple on the top of the mountain! If you’re hiking in spring or summer, you must try Yuhuang Mountain!
Conclusion
There are many suitable routes for parent-child hiking. This time, I would like to recommend these four routes in the West Lake Mountains. Next time, I will have the opportunity to recommend some routes in the Greater Hangzhou area that are suitable for parent-child hiking.
