Escape the City: A Complete Guide to Hiking the Lu Yu Ancient Trail

| A complete guide to hiking the Lu Yu Ancient Trail. 🍃Escape the City: A Complete Guide to Hiking the Lu Yu Ancient Trail After spending too long in the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll always want to plunge into the mountains and forests for a refreshing hike. The Lu Yu Ancient Trail in Huzhou is such a great place, connecting green hills, clear waters, tea gardens, and ancient temples. Every step is an intimate dialogue with nature. Pre-trip Preparation - Equipment: A pair of non-slip and wear-resistant hiking shoes is key to conquering the ancient trail, allowing you to walk steadily over slippery stone slabs and steep slopes. Also, bring a lightweight backpack with a water bottle, snacks, tissues, and a power bank to replenish energy and power at any time. Bring hiking poles to help you share your body weight, reduce knee pressure, and make hiking easier. - Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing according to the season. In summer, wear breathable and lightweight long sleeves and trousers for sun and mosquito protection. In spring and fall, prepare a light jacket to cope with the temperature difference between morning and evening. In winter, wrap yourself in thick, warm clothes, and don't forget your scarf and gloves. - Other: Download outdoor navigation apps such as "Two-Step Road" in advance, and cache the route map of Lu Yu Ancient Trail to prevent getting lost. Prepare a small amount of cash, as some small shops may only accept cash. Also, bring portable rain gear, as the weather in the mountains is changeable and it can rain at any time. Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Huzhou Huixingu Green Luxury Resort" (the starting point of the small loop) or "Miaoxi Town Shaokang Village Villagers Committee" (the starting point of the large loop). Parking is free and convenient. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop at any time to enjoy the pastoral scenery. - Public transportation: First go to Huzhou, take the y8 tourist bus line from the city to Xisai Mountain Tourist Center, and then transfer to the Xisai Mountain shared bus directly to the entrance of the ancient trail. You can also scan the code to book a shared bus at the stations along the ancient trail, which costs CNY 3 per person per trip or CNY 10 per car for a group, which is economical and convenient. Route Planning - Small Loop (Beginner-Friendly): The whole journey is about 6–7 km, with a cumulative climb of 200–300m, taking 3–4 hours. Starting from the Huixingu parking lot, pass by the Xiamu Mountain Reservoir. The lake is as green as a mirror, reflecting the green hills and trees, as beautiful as a painting. Enter the ancient trail, walk along the stone road, and shuttle through the dense mountains and forests. The air is fresh and full of negative oxygen ions. Climb Baibuzhe, which is a bit steep, but the scenery after reaching the top is amazing. Pass by the Lu Yu Ancient Trail Station, namely Xiawu Spring, where you can take a break and replenish water. Then go to Yunlin Temple to feel the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple. Finally, pass through thousands of acres of tea gardens and the Xiamu Mountain Bamboo Forest, and return to the Huixingu parking lot. The scenery along the way is varied, accompanied by gurgling streams, which is very suitable for families and hiking beginners. - Large Loop (Advanced Challenge): The whole journey is about 9–10 km, with a cumulative climb of 400–500m, taking 5–6 hours. The starting point is Shaokang Village Reservoir, a popular spot for taking photos. Walk up the mountain road, most of the time shuttling through the dense forest, like an adventure. There are many small streams along the way, where you can play in the water in summer. Climb to the top of the mountain and come to Yunlin Temple. Take a rest and enjoy the tea gardens all over the mountains, which are full of greenery and refreshing. Go down the mountain to Lingxi Village. This section of the road is relatively steep, so be careful. Finally, cross the bamboo forest and return to Shaokang Village Reservoir. The large loop is slightly more difficult, but the scenery is richer, allowing you to fully appreciate the charm of the Lu Yu Ancient Trail. Attractions Along the Way - Yunlin Temple: An ancient temple with a long history. The temple is filled with incense, and the architecture is simple and elegant. Here, you can listen to the melodious bells, feel the strong Buddhist atmosphere, and let your mind be quiet for a moment. - Thousands of Acres of Tea Gardens: Tea trees cover the mountains and fields, arranged neatly, like a green ocean. Walking into the tea garden, the fragrance of tea is refreshing. You can also see tea farmers working hard and experience the fun of picking tea. - Baibuzhe: A steep stone step road, full of challenges. When climbing, use both hands and feet, and step firmly. After reaching the top, look down at the surroundings, and you can see the beautiful scenery, which is full of accomplishment. - Xiawu Spring: Also known as Lu Yu Ancient Trail Station, it has a small shop and a toilet, which is a good place to rest and replenish supplies. It is said that Lu Yu once drew water here to make tea, and maybe you can also get some of the spirit of the Tea Sage. Food Recommendations - During the hike: You can bring your own small snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and fruits to replenish your strength in time. At the small shop on the top of the mountain, you can buy instant noodles, drinks, and biscuits, but the price may be slightly more expensive. - Surrounding Farmhouses: After the hike, go to the surrounding farmhouses to taste authentic farmhouse dishes. Clay pot chicken, the chicken is fresh and tender, and the soup is rich; dried bamboo shoots with braised pork, the dried bamboo shoots are crisp and tender, and the meat is fragrant; there are also fresh seasonal vegetables, which are refreshing and delicious. Precautions - Safety First: During the hike, follow the route indicated by the signs and ribbons. Do not deviate from the route without authorization to prevent getting lost or accidents. When encountering steep sections, slow down and hold on to the handrails. - Protect the Environment: Practice no-trace hiking, do not litter, and protect every plant and tree, so that the Lu Yu Ancient Trail always remains beautiful. - Weather Changes: Check the weather forecast in advance and prepare corresponding rain gear or sunscreen. In case of bad weather, such as heavy rain or strong winds, find a safe place to hide and continue your journey after the weather improves. - Physical Strength Distribution: Arrange your physical strength reasonably and do not sprint at the beginning. When you feel tired, rest in time and adjust your state.