Jingshan Ancient Path & Temple Hike Hike

From Tongqiao Parking Lot, walk 50 metres to the Jingshan Ancient Path (径山古道) entrance, marked by a traditional stone archway. The path is paved entirely in granite slabs laid over a thousand years — worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims walking to Jingshan Temple. The path ascends steadily but gently through a dense bamboo forest that creates a near-continuous canopy, providing approximately 90% shade cover. Key waypoints along the ascent: Zuxin Pavilion (祖心亭, first rest stop, 5 minutes in), Ban Shan Ting (半山亭 / Half-Mountain Pavilion, at approximately the midway point, surrounded by bamboo groves with a cool breeze), Xixin Pavilion (洗心亭 / Heart-Washing Pavilion, with a small cafe serving matcha drinks ~18 RMB). Approximately 400 metres of elevation gain distributed evenly across the 2 km path — the gradient is gentle enough for families with children and most fitness levels. The stone surface can be slippery in wet conditions. Free walking sticks are sometimes available at the entrance (return at the temple).

Photo suggestion: The granite-paved path winding through dense bamboo forest — 90% canopy cover.

As the path nears the summit, two cultural landmarks appear. Dongpo Inkstone Washing Pool (东坡洗砚池) is a small stone-lined pool beside the path where the Song dynasty poet Su Dongpo (Su Shi) is said to have washed his inkstone after calligraphy sessions at the temple — one of many traces of the temple's long literary history. A few steps further, the Emperor's Stele Pavilion (御碑亭) houses a stone stele inscribed with imperial calligraphy, marking the formal entrance to the temple precinct. From here, the path levels out and leads through a final bamboo grove to the temple's outer gate. The path surface becomes wider and better-maintained here.

Photo suggestion: The Emperor's Stele Pavilion — stone stele near the summit entrance.

Jingshan Temple (径山寺) is one of the most historically significant Buddhist temples in southern China. Founded in the Tang dynasty (742 CE), it reached its peak during the Song dynasty as a centre of Zen (Chan) Buddhism — the Japanese monk Eisai studied here in the 12th century and later introduced both Zen Buddhism and tea cultivation to Japan, making Jingshan the birthplace of Japanese tea ceremony. Admission: 30 RMB (free for Yuhang District residents, Hangzhou temple annual pass holders, and children under 1.2 m). Opening hours: 7:00–17:00 (last entry ~15:00–16:00 depending on season). Enter through the mountain gate — receive three free incense sticks. The main halls, in order: Heavenly Kings Hall (天王殿), Mahavira Hall (大雄宝殿), and the Sutra Repository (藏经阁). Key experiences: (a) Vegetarian noodles (素面) at the Five Contemplations Hall (五观堂) — 19–22 RMB per bowl with bamboo shoots, fried tofu puffs, and pan-seared tofu in a wild mushroom broth. Considered by many the best temple noodles in Hangzhou. Served 11:00–16:00. Payment is self-service scan code or cash. Side dishes 10 RMB. (b) Free sutra copying on the 2nd floor of the Dharma Circulation Office (8:30–16:00, no reservation needed) — ink, brushes, and paper provided, a quiet meditative activity. (c) Miaoxi Coffee (妙喜轩) near the Sakyamuni Hall — the osmanthus oat latte is the signature drink. (d) The thousand-year-old Dragon Well (千年龙井) — a well in the temple grounds where you can make a wish and wash your hands at Xixin Pool. (e) Dharma goods shop selling prayer beads and amulets.

Photo suggestion: Jingshan Temple mountain gate — Tang dynasty Zen temple, origins of Japanese tea ceremony.

Three ways down: (a) Walk the ancient path back to Tongqiao — approximately 40 minutes downhill, same route, gentle descent. (b) Take the free shuttle bus from the station a 10-minute walk outside the temple gate — buses run until 16:30 (weekdays 15:30). The bus descends a winding mountain road — sit at the front if prone to motion sickness. Two lines: one to the Distribution Center, one to Tongqiao. Choose carefully. (c) For a longer walk, descend via the Zhiling Ancient Path (直岭古道) loop — this adds approximately 2 km and connects back to Tongqiao through a different forest valley.