Stumble into a Green Fairyland in Jiangnan: Hangzhou's Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams Awaits

Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Jiangnan," Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams is hidden in the mountains west of West Lake. It's the perfect place to escape the summer heat and enjoy hiking. Check out this guide👇 General Information - Address: Jiuxi Shiba Jian Road, south of Longjing Village, Xihu District, Hangzhou - Transportation: - Public transportation: Take the bus to Longjing Tea House Station or Jiuxi Station. You can also take Metro Line 4 to Shuichengqiao Station and transfer to a bus that goes directly to Jiuxi. - Driving: Navigate to Jiuxi Yanshu Parking Lot. However, parking is difficult and expensive on weekends and holidays. The parking fee is CNY 10/hr on weekdays, CNY 20/hr on weekends and holidays, and CNY 30/hr during National Day and Lunar New Year, with no daily maximum. You can reserve a parking space in Jiuxi in advance through "Zhangshang Xihu" > "Jiuxi Parking Reservation." You can also park at the nearby Songcheng Scenic Area or shopping mall (CNY 30/entry) and take a taxi to Jiuxi. - Admission: Free - Opening hours: Open all day Suggested Routes Leisurely Stroll (approx. 5 km, 3 hrs) Jiuxi Bus Station → Jiuxi Yanshu → Li'an Temple → Yangmeiling → Manjuelong - Jiuxi Bus Station: This is the starting point for many visitors. The surrounding facilities are relatively complete. You can start your Jiuxi tour right after getting off the bus. - Jiuxi Yanshu: This is a beautiful tea plantation with a gurgling stream and lush trees. Walk along the stream, passing by small bridges, flowing water, and ancient trees, as if you have stepped into a natural landscape painting. - Li'an Temple: This ancient temple has simple and elegant architecture. Here, you can experience a tranquil atmosphere and listen to the echoing bells. - Yangmeiling: This village is built on the mountainside, with white walls and black tiles, full of the charm of Jiangnan. You can also taste authentic local cuisine. - Manjuelong: Famous for its sweet osmanthus flowers, Manjuelong is intoxicating in autumn, with the fragrance of flowers filling the air. Deep Hike (approx. 10 km, 5 hrs) Jiuxi Bus Station → Jiuxi Yanshu → Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams → Longjing Village → Shili Langdang → Meilin South Road - Nine Creeks and Eighteen Streams: Walk along the stream for about 2 km. The path winds through the lush valley, passing by multiple waterfalls and ponds, like a paradise. - Longjing Village: This ancient village is famous for its Longjing tea. There are many tea houses in the village where you can learn about Chinese tea culture and taste authentic Longjing tea. - Shili Langdang: This is a classic scenic route. Along the way, there are continuous tea plantations. From the top of the mountain, you can overlook Meijiawu Village and the beautiful scenery of West Lake. Best Time to Visit - Spring (March–May): Everything comes back to life. The tea trees on the mountains sprout tender green buds, and you can see tea pickers busy at work. - Summer (June–August): The mountains are lush and green, and the streams are cool and refreshing. It's a good time to escape the summer heat and play in the water. You can bring water guns, buckets, and other water toys to play by the stream. - Autumn (September–November): The sweet osmanthus flowers are fragrant, and the maple leaves gradually turn red. The sweet osmanthus flowers in Manjuelong and the red maple leaves around Jiuxi complement each other, creating a beautiful autumn scene. - Winter (December–February): If it snows, Jiuxi is covered in white snow, creating a unique and tranquil beauty. Photo Spots - Jiuxi Yanshu: The clear stream, tea plantation, and distant mountains form a perfect backdrop for photos, whether you're shooting landscapes or portraits. The small waterfall by the stream is a popular spot for photos. - Longjing Village: The ancient village buildings, the terraced tea plantations, and the charming tea houses are all great photo spots. Dress up in ancient costumes and take photos as if you've traveled back in time. - Shili Langdang: Standing on a high place, with the continuous tea plantations and the distant West Lake as the background, you can take stunning landscape photos. Things to Note - Clothing: Wear comfortable athletic or hiking shoes. Take sun protection measures in summer, such as wearing a hat and sunscreen. The temperature difference between day and night is large in spring and autumn, so bring a jacket. - Mosquito repellent: There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so bring mosquito repellent. - Safety: Be careful when playing by the stream. Do not go to deep or dangerous areas. Follow the signs during the hike and do not leave the trail to enter undeveloped areas. - Environmental protection: Protect the environment. Do not litter. Keep the scenic area clean.