Which Hangzhou Hike Should I Choose? | Pick a Trail by Transport & Time

Pick by Transport Access

Metro direct: Baoshi Mountain — walk from Wulin Square station, no bus needed.

Metro + short bus: Lingyin to North Peak (metro Line 3 to Huanglong, then bus 507/103), Longjing to Nine Creeks (metro + bus to Longjing Village).

Metro + longer bus: Guangming Temple Reservoir and Longweiba Pond — both require metro Line 6 to Xiangshan Campus, then bus 331 or 1407 to Longwu. Bus routes are subject to change — confirm the current numbers in AMap before setting out.

If you prefer a direct ride without transfers, a taxi from central Hangzhou reaches any trailhead within 20-50 minutes.

Pick by Duration

1–2 hours: Baoshi Mountain — quickest option, best for sunrise or sunset.

2–3 hours: Longjing to Nine Creeks, Lingyin to North Peak — comfortable half-day outings.

~3 hours: Guangming Temple Reservoir — longer but the reservoir views justify the extra time.

2–4 hours: Longweiba Pond Family Loop — variable depending on pace and breaks, especially with children.

Pick by Difficulty

Easy (flat or gentle slopes): Baoshi Mountain, Longjing to Nine Creeks, Longweiba Pond.

Moderate (sustained climb): Lingyin to North Peak, Guangming Temple Reservoir (460 m elevation gain).

First-time hikers should start with Baoshi Mountain or Longjing. Experienced walkers will enjoy the ridge sections on Guangming and Lingyin.

Pick by Scenery

West Lake views: Baoshi Mountain (classic panorama), Lingyin to North Peak (from the summit).

Tea fields: Longjing to Nine Creeks (terraced plantations), Longweiba Pond (tea fields around the reservoir), Guangming Temple Reservoir (tea terraces on the ascent).

Forest and streams: Longjing to Nine Creeks (shaded stream valley), Lingyin to North Peak (bamboo forest), Longweiba Pond (bamboo and stream sections).

Hidden reservoir: Guangming Temple Reservoir (the centrepiece of the loop).

Quick Decision Matrix

All trails listed above are reachable without a private car. See individual trail pages for detailed transport instructions.