This is How You Should Hike Jiu Xi (Nine brooks) 🚶‍♀️ ｜Hangzhou Hiking

Nine Brooks in Misty Forest (九溪烟树 Jiu Xi Yan Shu) is located on the western side of West Lake in Hangzhou and is one of the New Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake. Also known as Nine Brooks and Eighteen Dales, it is situated in the southwestern part of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The area stretches from Longjing Village in the north to Jiu Xi Village in the south, flanked by mountains, forests, and tea gardens on both sides. The numerous mountain streams flowing through the area create a picturesque and serene landscape.

The area is famed for its lush greenery and the mist that rises from the clear waters, creating an enchanting, dream-like atmosphere. The name “Misty Forest” reflects the ethereal mist that envelops the trees, making them appear as if they are shrouded in a gentle, smoky haze. This natural wonder is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.

🌿 Explore the Natural Oxygen Bar: Hiking from Jiu Xi (Nine Brooks) to Yunqi Bamboo Path 🌊
🚌 Starting Point: Jiu Xi Bus Station (九溪公交站)
🛩️ Ending Point: Yunqi Bamboo Path (云栖竹径)
💪 Hiking Duration: 4~6 hours
👀 Elevation Gain: 380 meters

🌄 Route Highlights:

Nine Brooks in Misty Forest (九溪烟树): 🌲 The iconic scenic spot of Jiu Xi (九溪), with emerald green waters and misty surroundings, creating a picturesque, poetic scene.
Nine Brooks and Eighteen Dales (九溪十八涧): 🌊 Gurgling streams and shaded trees, where stepping stones form a bridge over the stream—a great spot for water play.
Longjing Village (龙井村): 🍵 Learn the art of tea leaf roasting and taste the famous local Longjing Tea, immersing yourself in tea culture.
Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰): 🏞️ Winding mountain paths, scenic tea fields, and wide-open views—an ideal place for photography.
Yunqi Bamboo Path (云栖竹径): 🎍 A serene bamboo forest with fresh air, popular with people in ancient costumes, making it the perfect hiking endpoint.

📍 Detailed Route:
① Starting at Jiu Xi (Nine Brooks): Take the subway to Shuichengqiao (水澄桥), then transfer to the bus to Jiu Xi (九溪); or take the bus directly to Jiu Xi (九溪).
② Jiu Xi (Nine Brooks) to Longjing Village (龙井村): The route is flat, with plenty of water and dense forests. When you reach Jiuxi Smoke Village (九溪烟村), you’ll see a large stone monument next to a pavilion by the roadside.
⚠️ At this fork, the left path leads to Longjing Village (龙井村), and the right path leads to Yangmeiling Village (杨梅岭村). There are no route signs at the intersection, but a “Public Toilet” sign marks the path to Longjing Village (龙井村).
③ Longjing Village (龙井村) to Ten Miles of Langdang Entrance (十里琅珰入口):
Enter Longjing Village (龙井村) from Jiu Xi (九溪) and walk straight for 5-10 minutes until you reach a fork where you’ll see the “West Lake Longjing Tea Base” (西湖龙井茶基地); across from it is the entrance to Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰).
④ Climbing Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰): Reach the high point of Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰) and take a short break.
⚠️ At this fork, the left path leads to Wuyun Mountain (五云山), and the right path leads to Yangfengling (仰峰岭). We will descend towards Wuyun Mountain (五云山); you may find a small stall on the way to replenish your water with a cucumber🥒.
⑤ High Point of Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰) to Zhenji Temple (真际寺): Descend from Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰), continuing along the stone path around the mountain (the climb isn’t over yet). The only public restroom at the end of this section is located near Zhenji Temple (真际寺).
⑥ Zhenji Temple (真际寺) to Yunqi Bamboo Path (云栖竹径):
⚠️ The last fork appears at Zhenji Temple (真际寺), where the left path leads to Jiu Xi (九溪), and the right path leads to Yunqi Bamboo Path (云栖竹径).
⑦ Ending Point: Yunqi Bamboo Path (云栖竹径): After this section, it’s a downhill trek on a stairway path. Around 4 PM, the sunlight filtering through the bamboo forest creates beautiful lighting for photography—you might even encounter people dressed in ancient costumes.

💡 Tips:

👟 Wear a pair of well-fitted hiking shoes to protect your feet. ⚠️ Hiking boots are preferred, followed by sports shoes—avoid flat shoes and similar options.
🌤️ Take sun protection seriously; bring a hat and sunscreen, as there is a section along the ridge without shade.
📱 Keep your phone fully charged for any emergencies.
🍺 Bring about two 500ml bottles of mineral water per person (cheaper to buy in Longjing Village).
🥇 Hiking Pole: Optional, but Ten Miles of Langdang (十里琅珰) is tough to climb! The stairway descent to Zhenji Temple (真际寺) is long.