01 Seeking Tea Fragrance
Route: China Tea Museum - Shuangfeng - Longjing Village
This off-the-beaten-path city roaming route starts from the Shuangfeng Branch of the China Tea Museum at the foot of the mountain. Stroll through the Jiangnan-style garden, which is landscaped as per the natural streams inside and where each flower, tree and house are carefully arranged, and enjoy the tranquility and picturesque scenery. It is very easy to take good photos.
Inside the museum, after a short tour, you will have a basic understanding of tea knowledge.
Follow the path next to the back door of the tea museum and walk uphill. The tea trees on both sides are neatly trimmed and adorable. As you go higher, the shade of the trees becomes denser. Without realizing it, as you stop and look back, you will see a panoramic view of Shuangfeng Village below.
Continue following the signs towards Longjing Village. The chirping of birds and the cool mountain breeze create a refreshing atmosphere during the hot and humid rainy season of Jiangnan.
After a forty-minute walk, you will reach Qipan Mountain. From a distance, you can see vast tea fields spreading out, with mist lingering halfway up the mountain. Longjing Village is just around the corner.
02 Appreciating Culture
Route: Huanglong Cave - Gelin Chuyang Terrace - Precious Stone Mountain - Solitary Hill - Dongpo Scholar's No.1 Store
Have you always ascended the southern side of Precious Stone Mountain from Beishan Street to get a panoramic view of the lake? This time, why not start from Huanglong Cave? Ascend step by step, following the sound of water. You will see a dragon head spouting clear spring water into a stone pond, known as "Ensouled is a sea not for its depth but for the dragon that inhabits it." Another highlight of Huanglong Cave is the Moon God Shrine, where perhaps a destined encounter awaits behind the lush bamboo and clear springs.
Continue ascending the mountain and visit Gelin Chuyang Terrace and Baochu Pagoda. Take a leisurely walk along the ridge of Precious Stone Mountain and see the famous Long Causeway Bridge that never ceases to amaze from a new angle. Head east and descend to Yue Temple to pay tribute to the hero. The red walls, black tiles, and towering pine trees tell the profound historical stories of the Southern Song Dynasty.
Cross the road and take a sightseeing bus at the north entrance of Su Causeway. Quickly pass by Gushan Road, Bai Causeway, the Broken Bridge, and the Lakeside Road, and arrive at the Lakeside No. Three Park to see a beautiful sunset. Do you want to explore the famous Song Tea Shop in Hangzhou? The Dongpo Scholar's No.1 Store behind you is a good choice.
From traditional tea drinks to Dongpo-themed creative merchandise, this last stop of your city roaming journey allows you to feel the artistic conception of "West Lake, with lush greenery and mist" described by the former mayor.
03 Enjoying Local Delicacies
Route: Daijing Lane - Shiwukui Alley - Jianghu Huiguan Pavilion - Chenghuang Pavilion
Here, you will find the most authentic breakfast stalls in Hangzhou. Grab some fried dough sticks, pan-fried buns, and tofu pudding, walk through the alleys, and watch a sleepy orange cat stretching at the foot of Wangxian Pavilion. And listen to the conversations in the local tea houses blend with the sound of fluttering fans.
Continue walking up the hill, and the bustling noise is sealed out by tall trees. As the road twists and turns, the sign of Jianghu Huiguan Pavilion suddenly appears. From the pavilion, you can enjoy a panoramic view: the upturned eaves of Chenghuang Pavilion resting lightly on the top of Wushan Hill, and the serene West Lake and the surging Qiantang River. The so-called Jianghu Huiguan means this is the perfect spot to admire both sides of Hangzhou.
After a quick visit to Baocheng Temple and Poshui Guanyin, the last stop of your city roaming journey, the Chenghuang Pavilion area, is bustling with excitement. From Hangzhou's famous snacks like Congbaohui to freshly brewed West Lake lotus root powder, there are various options on the ancient tree platform. At the three-story tea house in Chenghuang Pavilion, you can listen to the guqin while enjoying the view of the three islands in the lake, immersing yourself in elegance. Don't forget to collect stamps of famous Chinese historical and cultural landmarks in different corners of the park... There is always a suitable option for you.