Sanxiang Ancient Trail — Yangjiapailou to Jinshajian Hike
Yangjiapailou Village 杨家牌楼 → Jinshajian / Botanical Garden area 金沙涧 / 植物园
Plan Your Hike
Quick Facts
| Start | Yangjiapailou Village 杨家牌楼 |
| Finish | Jinshajian / Botanical Garden area 金沙涧 / 植物园 |
| Area | Lingyin / North Peak |
| Best season | Autumn (October–November) for the clearest visibility from both viewpoints — Xixi Wetland to the west and West Lake to the east. Spring (March–May) for fresh green on the tea terraces. Avoid rainy days — stone steps become slippery. |
| Transport | Metro Line 3 to Xixi Wetland South Station, then ~1.8 km walk to Yangjiapailou start; bus from Jinshajian finish |
| Crowd level | Quieter than the North Peak summit route. Moderate foot traffic on weekends near Yongxing Temple and Shiren Pavilion. Hushan Lansheng and Yifeng Yuli Pavilion are noticeably less crowded than the main North Peak ridge. |
Route Summary
The Sanxiang Ancient Trail is one of the oldest pilgrimage routes in the West Lake Hills, named for the three incense mountains (Tianzhu, Fahua, Xiaohe) that Song dynasty pilgrims would visit in a single day. This traverse follows a surviving segment through tea terraces, bamboo groves, and ridgeline forest, connecting two of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Hangzhou hills — one facing west over Xixi Wetland, the other east over West Lake.
The walk is 8 km with 446 m of climbing, taking most walkers 3.5 to 5 hours. The trail surface varies from ancient stone steps to boardwalk to earth path, with one sustained steep section between Shiren Pavilion and Longmen Mountain where trekking poles are recommended. It is quieter than the neighbouring North Peak summit route, and the absence of fortune-temple crowds gives the ridge a more contemplative character.
Route details on this page are compiled from local notes and online sources, with field checks planned to confirm path conditions, temple opening hours, and viewpoint access.
Step-by-Step Route
Route notes are based on local knowledge and will be refined with field checks. Approximate times assume a relaxed pace with short photo stops.
Yangjiapailou to the Ancient Trail Archway — Village Warm-Up
~15 minFrom the bus stop or parking lot, walk through Yangjiapailou's main lane past a basketball court, fitness plaza, and convenience store — last chance for water and snacks. Reach the Sanxiang Ancient Trail stone archway. The village was historically known as Shiren Wu (石人坞 / Stone Man Valley), one of the 'Eighteen Valleys of Xixi' (西溪十八坞). Name origin: a Ming dynasty official surnamed Yang was buried on Shiren Ridge and had a memorial archway erected at the valley entrance.
Photo suggestion: The Sanxiang Ancient Trail stone archway marking the formal entrance to the trail.
Archway to Yongxing Temple — Tea Terraces and a 1,400-Year Monastery
~30 minGentle ascent along a stone boardwalk through tea terraces. After ~1 km reach Yongxing Temple (永兴寺 / Eternal Prosperity Temple), founded in the Tang dynasty (627 CE) by the monk Wuming. Yongxing is the third temple of Ji Gong (济公), the eccentric Song dynasty monk — his other two were Lingyin and Jingci. Local legends: Ji Gong built the Anle Bridge in front of the temple, and the pond contains 'tailless snails' (无尾螺) that Ji Gong released after villagers cut off their tails. The temple is built into the hillside with a timber main hall, quiet and non-touristy.
Photo suggestion: Tea terraces lining the approach to Yongxing Temple.
Yongxing Temple to Shiren Pavilion — Entering the West Hills
~40 minEnter the Xihu West Hills National Forest Park (西山国家森林公园) trail system. Climb through mixed forest with bamboo groves. Pass Jiren Pavilion (济人亭) after ~15 minutes. Continue to Shiren Pavilion (石人亭 / Stone Man Pavilion), the first key navigation node — a five-way junction at the ridgeline crossroads. The correct direction is east along the ridgeline (toward Longmen Mountain and Meiren Peak). Other directions lead to Tianzhu Mountain, Xiaohe Mountain, and Shangtianzhu Faxi Temple. Note: This section passes through areas with burial grounds — keep quiet, no photography, pass through calmly.
Caution: This section passes burial grounds. Keep quiet and do not photograph. Follow the eastward ridgeline path at Shiren Pavilion.
Photo suggestion: Shiren Pavilion — the five-way ridgeline navigation crossroads.
Shiren Pavilion to Meiren Peak — The Steepest Climb
~50 minFollow the ridgeline path east. The ascent becomes steep — ~500 metres of trail gaining 200 metres of elevation. The steps are uneven stone and earth, some mossy. Trekking poles strongly recommended. Pass Longmen Pavilion (龙门亭) at ~375 m — Longmen Mountain is the highest point of the North Peak ridge. On clear days look east toward the Lingyin temple cluster (Lingyin Temple, Yongfu Temple, Taoguang Temple, Shangtianzhu). Continue to Meiren Peak (美人峰 / Beauty Peak, 354 m), third highest in the West Lake Hills.
Caution: Steep, uneven stone steps for ~500 m. Trekking poles strongly recommended. Allow extra time on this section.
Photo suggestion: The steep ridgeline ascent toward Longmen Mountain and Meiren Peak.
Meiren Peak to Yifeng Yuli Pavilion — The Xixi Panorama
~20 minA short walk brings you to Yifeng Yuli Pavilion (一峰玉立亭 / Single Peak Jade Standing Pavilion), an all-stone 6.7 m pavilion with a perimeter bench. It faces west — the view opens over the entire Xixi Wetland with the Future Sci-Tech City (未来科技城) skyline on the horizon. Best in afternoon light when the sun is behind you.
Photo suggestion: Yifeng Yuli Pavilion on Meiren Peak with the Xixi Wetland panorama.
Yifeng Yuli Pavilion to Hushan Lansheng — The West Lake View
~40 minContinue east. Instead of following the crowd to North Peak summit, take the side path (Lingshun Temple side gate) staying on the West Hills corridor — noticeably quieter. Reach Hushan Lansheng (湖山揽胜 / Lake-Mountain Panorama Terrace), a cantilevered platform facing east with West Lake laid out below — the Su Causeway, three islands, and the city skyline. The best perspective for the classic Hangzhou postcard view.
Photo suggestion: Hushan Lansheng cantilevered platform with West Lake panorama.
Hushan Lansheng to Jinshajian — The Bamboo Descent
~1 hourDescend through Linqi Gu Yin (林栖谷隐 / Forest Resting Hidden Valley), a bamboo forest ravine — the quietest section of the route. Emerge at Jinshajian (金沙涧 / Gold Sand Stream), named for the stream beside the tunnel entrance. Near the Botanical Garden and Quyuanfenghe (曲院风荷 / Lotus in the Breeze at the Crooked Courtyard). Bus stop on Xixi Road serves routes back to the city.
Photo suggestion: Bamboo forest ravine on the descent to Jinshajian.
Getting There & Back
By metro to start
BestTake Metro Line 3 to Xixi Wetland South Station (西溪湿地南站), Exit C. Walk east along Xixi Road for ~1.8 km to Yangjiapailou village. Follow the village main lane past the basketball court and shop to reach the Sanxiang Ancient Trail archway.
By car to start
Navigate to 杨家牌楼停车场 on AMap. Parking is ~5 RMB/hour. From the parking lot, walk north through the village to the trail archway.
Return from finish
From Jinshajian, walk to the Lima Huitou (立马回头) bus stop on Xixi Road. Buses 103, 121, and 324 serve central Hangzhou. If you drove, return to Yangjiapailou via Xixi Road (taxi ~15–20 RMB).
Return from finish
ReturnFrom Jinshajian, walk to the Lima Huitou (立马回头) bus stop on Xixi Road. Buses 103, 121, and 324 serve central Hangzhou. If you drove, return to Yangjiapailou via Xixi Road (taxi ~15–20 RMB).
Practical Notes
Food and water
Bring 1.5–2 L water and snacks. Small shop at Yangjiapailou (last reliable resupply). No food vendors on the trail. Nearest restaurants at the Botanical Garden finish.
Toilets
Yangjiapailou village (near the shop), near Yongxing Temple, Shiren Pavilion.
Navigation
Download the 两步路 (Two-Step Road) app for offline GPS. Shiren Pavilion is the critical junction — take the eastward path toward Longmen Mountain. The route is not signposted in English. Save Chinese place names in your phone.
Trail surface
Varied surfaces: stone boardwalk through the village and tea terraces, stone steps on the ridge, earth paths in the bamboo ravine. One sustained steep section (Shiren → Longmen) with uneven mossy steps.
Trekking poles
Strongly recommended for the Shiren → Longmen steep section (~500 m, 200 m elevation gain). The uneven stone steps can be hard on knees during descent.
Phone signal
Reliable on most of the ridge. Drops noticeably in the bamboo ravine descent. Download offline maps before starting.
Best time of day
Start at 8:00–9:00 am to reach Yifeng Yuli Pavilion by late morning and Hushan Lansheng by early afternoon. The twin-viewpoint walk benefits from both morning (Xixi view) and midday (West Lake view) light.
Cemetery etiquette
The section near Shiren Pavilion passes through burial grounds. Keep quiet, do not take photographs of graves, and pass through calmly.
Safety Notes
- The Shiren → Longmen section is steep with uneven mossy steps — the most hazardous part of the route. Trekking poles and good grip footwear essential.
- Burial grounds near Shiren Pavilion — keep quiet, do not photograph, pass through respectfully.
- The route has stretches of low foot traffic, especially between Yongxing Temple and Shiren Pavilion and the final bamboo descent. Hike in pairs if possible.
- Phone signal weakens in the bamboo ravine near Jinshajian — download offline maps before starting.
- Shiren Pavilion is a five-way junction. The correct direction is east toward Longmen Mountain/Meiren Peak.
- The stone steps can be dangerously slippery after rain. Avoid the route in wet weather.
Best Time to Go
Spring
RecommendedFresh green tea terraces, blooming flowers at Yongxing Temple. Comfortable temperatures (15–25°C). Clear visibility on most days. The bamboo groves are vibrant green.
Summer
Hot and humid (30–38°C). The forest canopy provides ~80% shade on the ridge sections. Start before 8:00 am. Mosquitoes present in the bamboo sections.
Autumn
RecommendedThe best season. Crystal-clear visibility from both viewpoints. The bamboo takes on golden tones. Comfortable temperatures throughout. Fewer mosquitoes.
Winter
Cool (0–12°C). Clear visibility on dry days. Very few visitors. The ridge is exposed to wind. Dress warmly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to common planning questions about transport, Chinese place names, timing, and safety for this route.
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How difficult is the Sanxiang Ancient Trail?
Moderate. The total distance is ~8 km with ~446 m of cumulative ascent. The main challenge is one sustained steep section (~500 m, 200 m elevation) between Shiren Pavilion and Longmen Mountain. The rest of the route is gentle to moderate gradient. Fit beginners can manage with breaks. -
What are the 'three incense mountains' (三香)?
The three incense mountains are Tianzhu Mountain (天竺山), Fahua Mountain (法华山), and Xiaohe Mountain (小和山). Song dynasty pilgrims would visit temples on all three mountains in a single day, following the Sanxiang Ancient Trail. This route follows a surviving segment of that pilgrimage network. -
How is this different from the existing Yangjiapailou to North Peak loop?
That trail (yangjiapailou-to-north-peak-loop) is a ~9–11.5 km loop that goes to the North Peak summit and the fortune temple. This route is a point-to-point traverse that avoids the crowded North Peak summit, using the quieter West Hills corridor via Meiren Peak. It also visits two distinct viewpoints (Xixi Wetland and West Lake) rather than one. -
What is the significance of Yongxing Temple?
Yongxing Temple is the third major temple associated with Ji Gong (济公), the eccentric Song dynasty monk famous at Lingyin Temple. Local legends say Ji Gong built the bridge at Yongxing and created the 'tailless snails' in the temple pond. The temple was founded in 627 CE, making it over 1,400 years old. -
What Chinese names should I save?
杨家牌楼 (Yangjiapailou, start), 永兴寺 (Yongxing Temple), 石人亭 (Shiren Pavilion), 美人峰/一峰玉立亭 (Meiren Peak/Yifeng Yuli Pavilion), 湖山揽胜 (Hushan Lansheng), 金沙涧 (Jinshajian, finish). -
Where are the best photo spots?
Two essential spots: (a) Yifeng Yuli Pavilion on Meiren Peak — Xixi Wetland panorama to the west, best in afternoon light; (b) Hushan Lansheng — West Lake panorama to the east, best in midday light. The bamboo ravine descent is also photogenic. -
Can I do this walk with children?
For children age 10+ with hiking experience. The steep section between Shiren and Longmen requires good balance and stamina. Not recommended for young children. -
Where are the toilets?
Yangjiapailou village (near the shop), near Yongxing Temple, and Shiren Pavilion. No toilets on the ridge or descent sections. -
Is there a shortcut if I get tired?
The best bail-out point is at Shiren Pavilion — from there you can descend south toward Tianzhu Mountain and reach a bus stop. There is no easy exit between Shiren and Hushan Lansheng. -
What gear should I bring?
Good grip walking shoes, trekking poles, 1.5–2 L water, snacks, sun protection, insect repellent, offline maps on your phone, and a light jacket for the exposed ridge sections.
Nearby Routes
Other trails starting from the same area, worth combining or visiting on another day.
Yangjiapailou to North Peak Loop
A ~9–11.5 km loop from the same start to North Peak summit via the Dragon Ridge. A longer alternative that includes the fortune temple.
Lingyin to North Peak
A temple-side forest climb from Lingyin Temple to North Peak. Accessible from the finish end of this traverse.
Laoheyunqi to North Peak Ridge
A longer ~7–9 km ridge walk from the east. Extends the ridge walking experience.