Hiking Secret Spot of Taoluo Mountain in Cixi

In the northwest of the bustling city of Ningbo, there is a paradise for hikers - Cixi Taoluo Mountain. Here, the green mountains and clear waters on the shore of Hangzhou Bay are like a natural landscape garden painting. This year, I had the honor to set foot on it and experience this route, which is considered to be the most beautiful spring hiking route in Ningbo. **Exploring the lake: a 12-kilometer mountain and water journey starting from Duao Village Taoluo Mountain is gently surrounded by Shanglin Lake, Baiyang Lake, Waidu Lake and Lidu Lake. The hiking route I recommend starts from the quiet Du'ao Village and follows a 12-kilometer loop, giving you a panoramic view of the lake, mountains and cultural relics. In one day, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Cixi's mountains and rivers. **Scenery along the way: Eight exclusive views, surprises at every step** 1. **Dingshui Zen Temple**: An ancient temple by the Lidu Lake, shaded by bamboo forests, mysterious and peaceful. The stone carvings of Yu Shinan’s hometown in the temple are a highlight of the cultural relic protection unit. 2. **Stone carvings at Yuan Shao’s Tomb**: The Southern Song Dynasty stone carvings hidden deep in the bamboo forest are mysterious and the well-preserved stone statues of military commanders are breathtaking. 3. **Breathing oxygen in the forest**: The mechanized farming road in the pine forest has fresh air. Hiking here feels like being in a natural oxygen bar. 4. **Sea of ​​Sassafras Flowers**: The sea of ​​Sassafras flowers all over the mountains is gorgeous and dazzling, adding infinite vitality to the hiking trip. 5. **Top of the Mountain Observation Deck**: Climb up and take in the view of Shanglin Lake and the Cixi city skyline. It is known as the "Rio de Janeiro of Ningbo". 6. **Songfeng Valley Waterfall**: The waterfall, stone arch bridge and stream interweave into a healing natural painting that makes people linger. 7. **Stream Ancient Trail**: The 5-kilometer stream ancient trail has clear streams and scattered waterfalls. The waterfalls on the Guawuling Ancient Trail and the strange rocks complement each other, making it a great place to play in the water in summer. 8. **Du'ao Village**: Ancient trees, temples, stone carvings... The ancient village of Du'ao exudes a strong sense of fireworks and tells stories of a long history. 🚙**Self-driving navigation**: Dingshui Temple in Du'ao Village, Cixi City, Ningbo City has more than a dozen free parking spaces for self-driving tourists. 🚶**Hiking route**: 11.55 kilometers, 663 meters of climbing, expected to take 4-6 hours. Please refer to track #8748328 to plan the best route. 🚌**Public transportation**: Transfer to Cixi Bus No. 206/You 1 at Cixi Longshan Terminal to Shiqiutou Station, then transfer to Cixi Bus No. 311 to Xibutou Station, and finally walk 1.1 kilometers to arrive. **Special Tip**: The starting point of this route is located in Duao Village, aiming to avoid the congestion of people and vehicles at Shanglin Lake. The route is suitable for advanced and immersive hiking with children. You can enjoy the sea of ​​rhododendrons in April and pick delicious bayberries in June. Come and experience the most beautiful spring hiking route in Ningbo Beishan!