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Autumn beckons hikers to scenic hills
By Wu Huixin |
October 24, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
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AUTUMN'S cool temperature and crisp, clear air are ideal conditions for hiking in the hills and mountains around Hangzhou, especially in the southwest. When it gets a little colder, autumn's red and gold can be seen. Shanghai daily picks four sites with beautiful scenery, cultural relics and sweeping views.
Wuyun Hill
Wuyun literally means five clouds, which comes from the legend that clouds of five colors could always be seen around the hill, especially at sunset.
The best hiking route is Bamboo Path at Yunqi; both sides are flanked by tall bamboo. Five ancient trees, estimated at 1,000 years old, grow near the trail ?a they are among only eight ancient trees in the West Lake area. Most are sweet gum trees.
The upward trail passes Shuangbei Pavilion and Douyun Pavilion and gradually turns to stone steps. After a demanding two-hour climb, hikers reach the summit of Wuyun Hill.
The oldest tree in Hangzhou, a 1,420-year-old ginkgo tree at the summit, grows in front of the ruins of Zhenji Buddhist Temple. Several people need to stretch their arms out to encircle it.
Hikers can return by a different route. This takes walkers to Nine Creeks and 18 Gullies after around 20 minutes.
Jiuyao Hill
The route starts at the western gate of Taiziwan Park, where it becomes a trail. At the roadside there's a stone stairway. Take the steps and continue upward past an intersection of paths. After seven or eight minutes, turn right at the second intersection.
After a five-minute walk, there's a viewing platform with a twisted tree. From there hikers can view the Yu Hu Wan scenic area and Su Causeway.
Yu Hu Wan is at the intersection of Santaishan and Hupao roads. The area is tranquil, in sharp contrast with nearby busy tourist sites.
After resting, hikers can continue on the trail for half an hour, reaching the top of Jiuyao Hill with a panoramic view of Leifeng Pagoda, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond and other scenic spots. It's a perfect spot for taking pictures.
Baoshi Hill
As the nearest hill to downtown Hangzhou, Baoshi Hill is an integral part of nearby West Lake. Looking down at the lake from the summit, visitors get the feeling they could simply stride to the Broken Bridge.
The hill is lighted softly, which gives it an air of a Chinese ink painting at night.
The ascent is easy. Hikers take the roadside stone stairs on Beishan Road and climb for a few minutes, passing the Age of Innocence bookstore on the hillside, blending into the scenery. Walking upward past the bookstore, hikers reach the summit where Baochu Pagoda stands. It was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and represents the beauty of Hangzhou.
Nangao Mountain
There are four trails up Nangao Mountain, but the eastern route is recommended. Hiking from Faxiang Lane, visitors see two camphor trees, one planted in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and the other in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) at the foot of the mountain.
The Tang Dynasty tree is protected by a platform and pavilion where visitors can appreciate it. The Song Dynasty tree is in the forest.
Continuing upward along the hillside, visitors encounter the Xueyuan Cemetery, burial site of martyrs of the National Revolutionary Army's 21st Division who sacrificed their lives during the Northern Expedition (1926-1928).
At the summit, hikers take in a panoramic view of West Lake and the Qiangjiang River.
Wuyun Hill
Wuyun literally means five clouds, which comes from the legend that clouds of five colors could always be seen around the hill, especially at sunset.
The best hiking route is Bamboo Path at Yunqi; both sides are flanked by tall bamboo. Five ancient trees, estimated at 1,000 years old, grow near the trail ?a they are among only eight ancient trees in the West Lake area. Most are sweet gum trees.
The upward trail passes Shuangbei Pavilion and Douyun Pavilion and gradually turns to stone steps. After a demanding two-hour climb, hikers reach the summit of Wuyun Hill.
The oldest tree in Hangzhou, a 1,420-year-old ginkgo tree at the summit, grows in front of the ruins of Zhenji Buddhist Temple. Several people need to stretch their arms out to encircle it.
Hikers can return by a different route. This takes walkers to Nine Creeks and 18 Gullies after around 20 minutes.
Jiuyao Hill
The route starts at the western gate of Taiziwan Park, where it becomes a trail. At the roadside there's a stone stairway. Take the steps and continue upward past an intersection of paths. After seven or eight minutes, turn right at the second intersection.
After a five-minute walk, there's a viewing platform with a twisted tree. From there hikers can view the Yu Hu Wan scenic area and Su Causeway.
Yu Hu Wan is at the intersection of Santaishan and Hupao roads. The area is tranquil, in sharp contrast with nearby busy tourist sites.
After resting, hikers can continue on the trail for half an hour, reaching the top of Jiuyao Hill with a panoramic view of Leifeng Pagoda, Viewing Fish at Flower Pond and other scenic spots. It's a perfect spot for taking pictures.
Baoshi Hill
As the nearest hill to downtown Hangzhou, Baoshi Hill is an integral part of nearby West Lake. Looking down at the lake from the summit, visitors get the feeling they could simply stride to the Broken Bridge.
The hill is lighted softly, which gives it an air of a Chinese ink painting at night.
The ascent is easy. Hikers take the roadside stone stairs on Beishan Road and climb for a few minutes, passing the Age of Innocence bookstore on the hillside, blending into the scenery. Walking upward past the bookstore, hikers reach the summit where Baochu Pagoda stands. It was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and represents the beauty of Hangzhou.
Nangao Mountain
There are four trails up Nangao Mountain, but the eastern route is recommended. Hiking from Faxiang Lane, visitors see two camphor trees, one planted in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) and the other in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) at the foot of the mountain.
The Tang Dynasty tree is protected by a platform and pavilion where visitors can appreciate it. The Song Dynasty tree is in the forest.
Continuing upward along the hillside, visitors encounter the Xueyuan Cemetery, burial site of martyrs of the National Revolutionary Army's 21st Division who sacrificed their lives during the Northern Expedition (1926-1928).
At the summit, hikers take in a panoramic view of West Lake and the Qiangjiang River.
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