The countryside at the beginning of summer is full of wild charm—Hiking the Shimen Longtan Loop in Yuyao

Transportation: Drive to Shimen Longtan Scenic Area. Join an outdoor hiking group. Tips: This route is for beginner hiking groups, so be prepared to wait for your fellow hikers if you are at an intermediate level. There is a small shop at the village entrance where you can replenish water, and there is a small shop in the mountains, but it might not be open. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent, as there are many mosquitoes in the mountains, and you will constantly hear buzzing around your ears. Be sure to bring an anti-itch cream, as once the mountain mosquitoes bite you, they won't fly away unless killed. At the end of June, the plum rain is reluctant to leave. Last night's rain made the steps a bit slippery and the dirt road a bit muddy. However, the waterfalls in the mountains are very abundant. Throughout the route, there is not much scenery on General Mountain, but the most stunning view is the distant view of Yuyao City from Dalinggang. The first section of General Mountain requires attention to the slippery stone steps. The second section, Yanwo Ancient Path, is not difficult, as it is all stone steps, but it is a test of physical strength and knees. You need to descend 240 meters in altitude along the stone steps and then climb back up 240 meters, which is the most challenging part of the entire route. The third section, the dirt road, is narrow and muddy but still easy to walk. At the end of this section is the Longtan Waterfall, and the anticipation of reaching it will make you feel energized. Throughout the loop, the chestnut trees, plum trees, and peach trees in the mountains, along with the dense bamboo forests and mountain woods, make the summer greenery flourish. Occasionally seen mushrooms, lizards crawling out from time to time, jumping mountain frogs, fluttering butterflies, black and gray dragonflies, white mountain flowers, sunflowers in the morning sun, and fragrant gardenias, all make summer's vitality dance before your eyes. The cicadas' chirping, the longhorn beetles' singing, the babbling mountain springs, and the roaring waterfalls all embody the heat of summer in this cacophony. The old houses of the villagers, whether abandoned or newly built, have experienced the erosion of time by the mountains and rivers, filling the wild charm of the countryside that is lacking in the city. This is the most worthwhile aspect of this route.