Zhejiang Version of MacLehose Trail - Shuitong'ao

Between Mountains and Sea🌊 Shuitong'ao, Wenling, Taizhou 2025/6/29 First, we must set the record straight about Shuitong'ao - the scenery on sunny days is absolutely stunning, with waters so clear they resemble jelly! Before setting out, we were worried it might be a case of "over-edited photos vs. disappointing reality," but our concerns proved unnecessary. It's nowhere near as bad as some online reviews claim. After watching "The Great Traverse" recently, our hiking itch returned with a vengeance. Unfortunately, Zhejiang's rainy season wasn't cooperative, so we seized the first sunny opportunity to hit the trail. We drove from Hangzhou on Saturday morning, stopping by Tiantai and Linhai during the day before reaching Songmen, Wenling in the evening. Originally planning to bring our dog, we ultimately decided against it that morning since most of the ridge trail offers no shade - we worried about heatstroke and left her at the hotel. The trailhead starts at Xiaojiaochen Village. Follow the village road past the toll booth to find the entrance. The first kilometer is paved asphalt (very flat but already scorching by 9am). The mountain path consists mainly of gravel and dirt - avoid water shoes as pebbles easily get inside. Consider packing sandals if visiting the beach. Due to extreme heat, we only did the short loop, prioritizing safety over completing the full trail (though we missed some views). ⛰️Route Short loop: ~10km, 400m elevation gain, 4-5 hours (varies by individual). Moderate difficulty but start early to beat the heat. Gear Hiking backpack/trail shoes/poles/IXPE mat/quick-dry clothes/sunglasses/sunhat. Pack light snacks but plenty of water (we carried ~2L/person). 🏨Accommodation Hanting Hotel (Wenling Songmen Shitang Branch) Good service, clean rooms, average breakfast; Pet-friendly with charging stations, 8-minute drive to trailhead. Important‼️ Summer heat precautions essential - consider cooling towels; Sun protection mandatory (full exposure on ridges); Pack trash bags to practice Leave No Trace principles.