Hangzhou's Ultimate Summer Retreat! Follow the Locals to Explore the Hidden Jiuxi Smoky Trees

Jiuxi Eighteen Streams is a hidden gem near Hangzhou's West Lake, featuring streams, tea gardens, and ancient trees—perfect for hiking and fresh air. Here's a practical guide for you: 🌿 Recommended Routes Classic Hiking Route (Light): Longjing Village ➔ Jiuxi Eighteen Streams ➔ Jiuxi Smoky Trees ➔ Jiuxi Bus Station (about 5km, 3-4 hours) In-depth Hiking Route: Yangmeiling Village ➔ Li'an Temple ➔ Jiuxi Smoky Trees ➔ Jiuxi Eighteen Streams ➔ Longjing Village (about 8km, 5-6 hours) 🚌 Transportation Guide Going there: Take Metro Line 4 to "Shuicheng Bridge Station," then transfer to Bus 514/39 to "Jiuxi" station; Or take a taxi to "Jiuxi Scenic Area Entrance" (about 30 yuan from downtown). Return journey: From Longjing Village, take Bus 27 back to downtown, or taxi to a metro station. 📸 Must-Visit Spots Jiuxi Smoky Trees The core attraction, with red leaves reflected in the lake, stunning in autumn (best in mid-to-late November). Waterfall and pavilion behind the lake, perfect for photos. Stream Wading Areas Multiple shallow areas with stone steps along the way, great for wading in summer (bring flip-flops!). Longjing Tea Gardens Lush tea fields arranged in tiers, photogenic with stone paths. Li'an Temple Hidden Song Dynasty temple, quiet and peaceful with Zen atmosphere. 🍜 Food and Accommodation Suggestions Lunch: Longjing Village farmhouse restaurants (recommended: tea-flavored ribs, Longjing shrimp), 60-80 yuan per person. Afternoon Tea: "Shanye" popular café with viewing terrace in Yangmeiling Village, or experience West Lake Longjing tea. Accommodation (Optional): "Xizhongxi Hotel" in the scenic area or Yangmeiling homestays, enjoy peaceful forest mornings. ⚠ Tips Wear non-slip shoes! Stream stones are slippery, especially after rain. Bring mosquito repellent in summer, light jacket in spring/fall (forests are cool). Crowds increase after 9:00 on holidays, arrive before 8:30 if possible. Bring water guns/sandals if you want to play in water, but be careful. 📍 Nearby Attractions Combo Morning: Pray at Lingyin Temple ➔ Vegetarian lunch at Faxisi Temple Afternoon: Hike Jiuxi Eighteen Streams ➔ Evening tea tasting in Longjing Village Evening: Return to West Lake for musical fountain show (sessions at 19:00/20:00) Jiuxi's beauty lies in its tranquility and natural charm. Take your time to enjoy the flowing water and cicada songs. If you're low on energy, electric carts are available from the entrance to Jiuxi Smoky Trees (12 yuan one-way). 🌿Jiuxi Summer Journal | Local Secret Routes Revealed✨ Set out in the early morning with a tea farmer uncle from Yangmeiling, walking down the bluestone path. The stream at Longjing Village entrance flows over your ankles, ice-cold, instantly dispersing summer heat. Important tips‼ 1⃣ Go upstream to avoid tourist crowds (navigate to "Jiuhong Pavilion") 2⃣ Bring your own flip-flops! Wading through alternating deep and shallow pools is incredibly therapeutic 3⃣ Drink cold-brewed Longjing tea under a 300+ year-old camphor tree, with tea fragrance mingling with mist At noon, turn into a small farmhouse behind the tea mountain, where a 20 yuan/person four-dish meal features fresh preserved vegetable bamboo shoots. On the return journey, the greenery cascades like waterfalls, and even the cicada sounds seem infused with cool mint. 👉🏻 The entire hike takes 2 hours, with 90% tree coverage—wear quick-dry clothing!