One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour

Hangzhou , China

One-day Hangzhou Lakeside Mountains Relics & Ruins Hiking – Guided Outdoor Tour

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About this experience

A hardcore 8-hour in-depth Hangzhou mountains hiking tour that takes you deep into Hangzhou’s scenery and history at the same time.

Likely the densest Hangzhou hiking and culture tour available.

Hike the Southern Song Dynasty ‘Nan Song’ relic route, tracing a path from the Nan Song bazaar markets of Hefang Street to the Chu Palace ruins on Mount Fenghuang – from the commoner’s streets to the crumbled seat of the ancient Imperial government.

The great outdoors and a see-and-feel history lesson combined.

1. Trace a path through a thousand years of Hangzhou history - get to know Hangzhou and Jiangnan culture through hiking and mountain climbing.
2. This West Lake trail is a favorite route of the locals. Experience weekend leisure life in the style of your average live-in citizen.
3. A local as your guide, head deep into the West Lake mountains and deep into Hangzhou’s history. Explore a string of millennial relic ruins that tell a story of kings and war.

Available options

2019 - 2020 （Without Pick Up）

Without Pick Up<br/>Pickup included

2019 - 2020 （Pick up）

Pick up<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Insurance

Hotel or train station pickup and drop-off

Chinese-English bilingual guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet up. ‘Heavenly Wind over Wu Hill’. Hefang Street bazaar. Town God’s Temple.

Meet up with your guide after breakfast. Get acquainted, then head out to the starting point of the day’s itinerary – Wushan Square.
Arrive. Experience one of Hangzhou’s iconic scenes - the ‘Heavenly Wind over Wu Hill’.
Walk on to the Southern Song dynasty bazaar street of Hefang Street. Turn into an alley and visit the hidden Town God’s Temple.
From here onwards is uphill.

Chenghuang Mountain & Wan Song Hill trail. Wan Song Academy. Phoenix Hill. Wuyue Kingdom Imperial Palace ruins. Mountaintop Pavilion.

Follow old alleys uphill onto the Chenghuang Mountain, then onto Wan Song Hill Road. Explore and learn all about the site’s history from your guide. Atop Phoenix Hill we come to the Phoenix Pavilion – a great spot to stop, relax a while and survey the Qian River below.
Wan Song Hill Road: A path by the Wan Song Academy (built around 800AD, in 1521 this became Hangzhou’s largest academy of classical learning) marks the start of our hike up Phoenix Hill (Phoenix Hill is the site of the Wuyue Kingdom Imperial Palace ruins, occupied from 907—978AD, and again in the Southern Song era from 1127—1279AD).

Yuhuang Mountain trail. Laoyu Palace. Emperor’s Road sacrificial altar. Mt Jiuyao. Jiuyao Pavillion West Lake Panorama.

Continue along the mountain path in the direction of Yuhuang Mountain, coming to the Laoyu Palace half-way up before pushing along the emperor’s road. Inspect the ruins of the Wuyue Kingdom imperial sacrificial altar. There are also views of Hangzhou’s Eight Diagrams Field and Qiantang River to enjoy.
Move along the thin mountain paths to arrive at the Jiuyao Pavillion. Descend the mountain.
Laoyu Palace: a sacred site of the Quanzhen sect of Taoism.
Jiuyao Pavillion: on Jiuyao Mountain’s peak. a fantastic scenic vantage point that affords the most stunning panoramic view over the expanse of West Lake.

Trail end. Prince Bay Park botanical gardens. Hotel drop-off.

The path off Jiuyao leads into the Prince Bay Park botanical gardens – the most beautiful in Hangzhou!
Finally, your private guide will escort you back to your hotel, at which time the tour will conclude.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

Meet-up points include Wushan Square or the nearby Hefang Bazaar Street. Detailed arrangements will be tailored to your preferences after booking.

About Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It's home to the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a blend of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and serene landscapes.

Top Attractions

West Lake

West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous attraction in Hangzhou. This picturesque lake is surrounded by scenic gardens, temples, and pagodas, offering a serene escape from the city.

Nature Half day to full day Free to enter the lake area, but individual attractions may have entrance fees (¥30-¥100)

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its ancient architecture, Buddhist artifacts, and serene atmosphere.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours ¥30

Hefang Street

Hefang Street is a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. It offers a glimpse into Hangzhou's rich history and is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local snacks.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Free to enter, but budget for shopping and snacks

Xixi Wetland Park

Xixi Wetland Park is a unique urban wetland park that offers a serene escape from the city. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and visitors can explore the park by boat or on foot.

Nature Half day ¥100 (including boat tour)

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

The Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a vast and beautifully landscaped garden that showcases a wide variety of plants and flowers. It is a peaceful and scenic spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dongpo Pork

A braised pork belly dish that is tender, succulent, and slightly sweet. It is named after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who is said to have created the dish.

Main dish Contains pork

Beggar's Chicken

A dish made with a whole chicken wrapped in clay and baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat inside. The legend goes that a beggar wrapped a stolen chicken in clay to hide it from his pursuers, and the resulting dish was so delicious that it became a local specialty.

Main dish Contains chicken

West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy

A dish made with fresh river fish, cooked in a tangy vinegar-based sauce. The dish is named after the famous West Lake in Hangzhou and is known for its delicate flavors and tender fish.

Main dish Contains fish, may contain gluten

Bamboo Shoot Dishes

Hangzhou is famous for its bamboo shoots, which are used in a variety of dishes. They can be stir-fried, braised, or steamed, and are often served as a side dish or incorporated into other dishes.

Side dish Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Boat tours Kayaking Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Parks and gardens Cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is vibrant with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hangzhou is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. However, as with any destination, it is essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging
• Bargain for better prices in markets and street stalls

Getting there

By air

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport • 26 km from city center

By train

Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station

By bus

Hangzhou Bus Terminal, East Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Hangzhou Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines that connect key points in the city. Signs are in both Chinese and English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Qinghefang Ancient Street Binjiang District Xiacheng District Gongshu District

Day trips

Xitang Ancient Water Town

120 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Xitang is a picturesque ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It is often compared to Venice for its charming waterways and historic buildings.

Wuzhen Ancient Water Town

140 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Wuzhen is another well-preserved ancient water town, known for its traditional architecture, canals, and bridges. It is less touristy than Xitang and offers a more authentic experience.

Tianmu Mountain

90 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Tianmu Mountain is a scenic area known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

West Lake International Music Festival • September Hangzhou Tea and Culture Festival • March Qingming Festival • Early April

Pro tips

Visit West Lake early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Explore the ancient water towns of Xitang and Wuzhen for a unique and authentic experience
Sample local snacks and street food at the night markets, such as Hefang Street and Wulin Square
Take a tea plantation tour to learn about the history and culture of tea in Hangzhou
Experience a traditional Chinese medicine treatment or massage for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience