Overview
Follow the sound of flowing water into Hangzhou's tea-growing hills. Walk beside the shaded streams of Jiuxi, explore the terraces around Longjing Village, and pause for a hands-on Dragon Well tea experience. The trail climbs to the Shili Langdang ridge for sweeping views of tea fields and distant West Lake, then winds down into the quiet bamboo groves of Yunqi. A day of fresh air, local tea, and changing scenery, just beyond the city.
Highlights
- Creek-Hopping at Jiuxi — Step across eighteen mountain streams on flat stone bridges through a forested gorge.
- Pick Your Own Longjing Tea — Walk into the terraces where Dragon Well tea is born and pick leaves alongside local farmers.
- Ridge Walk Above West Lake — Climb Shili Langdang for sweeping views of tea fields, West Lake, and the Qiantang River.
- Yunqi Bamboo Path — End the hike in a cathedral of bamboo, dappled light filtering through ten-meter stalks.
- Door-to-Door from Shanghai — High-speed train tickets and private car transfers are all arranged for you.
Itinerary
Hangzhou Longjing Tea Trail Hike
8:00 AM — Take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou. We arrange your train ticket and a private transfer from your Shanghai city-area accommodation to the departure station. No guide accompanies the Shanghai transfer or train journey. Your confirmed station and train times will be provided before departure.
9:00 AM — Arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station and meet your English-speaking guide. Travel together by private car to Jiuxi.
10:00–11:00 AM — Begin the guided hike at Jiuxi Smoke Tree, where mist weaves through ancient trees.
11:00 AM–12:00 PM — Explore Jiuxi Eighteen Creeks, crossing mountain streams on stepping stones.
12:00–1:30 PM — Visit Longjing Village for a tea-picking experience and enjoy Longjing tea with local pastries.
1:30–3:00 PM — Hike the Shili Langdang ridge for tea-field views, with West Lake and the Qiantang River visible on clear days.
3:00–4:00 PM — Visit Zhenji Temple and walk through Yunqi Bamboo Path.
4:00 PM — Your guide accompanies you by private car back to Hangzhou East Railway Station. Guide service ends at the station.
5:30 PM — Take the high-speed train back to Shanghai independently; we arrange the return ticket.
6:30 PM — Arrive in Shanghai and meet your driver for the arranged private transfer to your city-area accommodation. This transfer is unescorted.
Times are approximate and depend on the confirmed train schedule and walking pace.
What's Included
- English-speaking guide from pickup at Hangzhou East Railway Station to drop-off at the same station
- Round-trip high-speed train tickets between Shanghai and Hangzhou, arranged by IntoChinaTrip
- Private transfers between your Shanghai city-area accommodation and the Shanghai departure/arrival railway station, without a guide
- Private transfer from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Jiuxi, with your guide
- Private transfer from Yunqi Bamboo Path to Hangzhou East Railway Station, with your guide
- Longjing tea-picking experience (pick, taste, with pastries)
What's Not Included
- Lunch at Longjing Village (can be arranged at $15/person)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Pudong Airport pickup (additional $30-50/car depends)
Good to Know
- Shoes: Wear trail shoes with good grip — creek crossings can be slippery.
- Season: This trail is beautiful year-round. Spring (March-May) is peak tea picking season. Autumn (October-November) offers stunning red foliage.
- Fitness: Shili Langdang has about 460m elevation gain. Take breaks at the ridge-top pavilions.
- Train Arrangements: We book your round-trip tickets and arrange Shanghai station transfers. The exact Shanghai station and train times will be confirmed before departure. You travel without a guide on the Shanghai transfers and both train journeys.
- Guide Meeting Point: Your English-speaking guide meets you at Hangzhou East Railway Station and returns you to the same station after the Hangzhou excursion.
- Private Car Option: If you prefer to skip the train and travel entirely by private car from Shanghai, contact us for arrangements and a separate quote.
- Departing from Another City: If you would like to start in Hangzhou or a nearby city instead of Shanghai, contact us for a tailored arrangement and quote.
- Questions: Contact us for custom dates or group rates.
