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Just when I thought Hupao Spring was beautiful enough, I discovered Yunqi Bamboo Path.
In summer, Yunqi is lush and vibrant, but in autumn, it reveals a different kind of beauty.
Before all the maple leaves had fallen, I made a trip to Yunqi Bamboo Path.
I arrived a bit late, but I wasn’t disappointed.

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This week, Hangzhou has been mostly rainy, and whenever the weather is like this, Yunqi Bamboo Path is the first place that comes to mind.

🍁 The best spots to see the maple leaves:

  1. The short path from the entrance to the “Yunqi” stone gate (Photo 1).
  2. Near the ticket gate, there are some beautiful red maples, and as you walk further in, both sides of the path are dotted with scattered maple trees (Photos 12).
  3. There aren’t many maples at Xixin Pavilion, and the branches are slender, but paired with the pavilions and water features, it creates a subtle and elegant Chinese aesthetic (Photo 2).
  4. The wooden walkway leading up from Xixin Pavilion is the area with the densest maple trees, but most of them have already started to shed their leaves, covering the ground in a blanket of maple leaves. It must have been breathtaking at its peak.
  5. The red maple near Huilong Pavilion is absolutely stunning, with no sign of discoloration—seeing it in person is truly awe-inspiring (Photos 3, 9).

⚠️ The maple leaves might last another week, so if you’re planning to visit, now is the time! Or save the location and plan for next year. 😅

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📍 Address: Yunqi Bamboo Path, No. 8, Meiling South Road, Xihu District
🎫 Ticket: ¥8 (Free with Hangzhou Park Annual Pass)
⏰ Opening Hours: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
🚌 Bus: Routes 103, 121, 1314, 324M, Yunqi Bamboo Path Station
🅿️ Parking: ¥10/hour

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🌟 Hiking Guide:

🔹 Trailhead: Pass by the tomb of Master Lianchi and through Douyun Pavilion, where you’ll find a hiking trail that leads up Wuyun Mountain.

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🔸 The mountain isn’t too high, but it does require some stamina to reach the top. If you plan to hike, be sure to bring plenty of water. At the summit, you’ll find Zhenji Temple and a 1,400-year-old ginkgo tree, which is truly magnificent—though by now, the leaves have probably fallen.

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🔹 A shorter route is to return the way you came after reaching the summit, which takes about an hour.

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🔸 There are two other routes from the summit of Wuyun Mountain: one leading to Meijiawu and the other to Jiuxi Yan Shu. Both are quite long, so plan to spend at least half a day if you choose one of these routes. For those who enjoy outdoor hiking, these are great options.

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📸 Date of Visit: December 12, 2023