Finding a cool retreat amidst the greenery and Zen of Jingshan

While everyone knows about West Lake in Hangzhou, few are aware of Jingshan, located 50 miles northwest of the city. Nestled in the mountains is an ancient temple, with Tongqiao Bridge in front and a stream flowing gently beneath it, surrounded by a sea of bamboo swaying in the breeze. When the summer heat makes West Lake feel like a boiling pot, Jingshan remains a haven of coolness. Recommended spots for escaping the heat: Jingshan Temple: A modern spiritual hub for young people. With an electronic wooden fish in one hand and prayers at Jingshan in the other, young visitors oscillate between "pursuing career success" and "embracing a laid-back lifestyle," finding their spiritual home here. Jingshan Ancient Path: A thousand-year-old path built during the Tang Dynasty, surrounded by bamboo forests and tea fields. As the birthplace of Zen tea culture, it’s a top choice for summer hiking in Hangzhou. It’s recommended to start your hike after breakfast and head directly to the temple. The bamboo-lined path offers shade, protecting you from the summer sun. The hike typically takes 30-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk to the Tongqiao parking lot and take the free shuttle bus to Jingshan Temple. Tongqiao Bridge: The most pleasant and relaxing time in the mountains is at dusk, when temperatures are usually 5-8 degrees lower than Hangzhou’s city center. You can enjoy playing in the water under Tongqiao Bridge in the village center. The stream maintains a temperature in the teens year-round, and stepping into it barefoot provides instant relief—far more refreshing than air conditioning, thanks to the natural cooling effect of bamboo forests and mountain springs. 🏨 Accommodation: Consider staying at "Hangzhou Flower Zizai Holiday Villa," located along Jingshan Ancient Path.