Have you been to the so-called "most elegant attraction in Hangzhou"? It wins with its sea of bamboo
Bamboo, swaying in the wind and playing with the moonlight, lives a carefree life, elegant and unpretentious, embodying the qualities of a modest gentleman!
Throughout China's long history, bamboo stalks have been tall and slender, evergreen through all seasons, standing proudly against snow and frost. In ancient times, bamboo was often used to describe upright and unyielding people. Moreover, bamboo grows without fear of harsh cold or scorching heat, wind, frost, or snow, earning widespread admiration. There are many idioms and stories such as "bamboo reports safety," "childhood sweethearts," and "unstoppable like bamboo splitting," highlighting its significant role. Bamboo is hailed as a symbol of elegance, and its scenic spots are praised as "elegant attractions"!
So, the question is, where should you go to enjoy bamboo scenery? We recommend the place known as the "most elegant attraction in Hangzhou," which wins with its sea of bamboo and offers hidden experiences for those who want to check it out!
We are talking about Hangzhou Yunqi Bamboo Path, one of the New Ten Scenes of West Lake, a place of natural beauty covered with bamboo forests and rich cultural heritage!
Historically, Yunqi Bamboo Path was famous for its temple. It began with the founding of Yunqi Ancient Temple in the fifth year of the Qian De era of the Song Dynasty in Wu Yue (967 AD). Later, it was destroyed by a mountain flood. During the Ming Dynasty's Longqing and Wanli periods, the eminent monk Master Lianchi revived the temple, and Yunqi Temple flourished as a major Buddhist site on the lake, with lush bamboo covering the surrounding hillsides, creating a magnificent sight. In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Kangxi visited several times and included "Yunqi Buddhist Path" among the Eighteen Scenes of West Lake, showing its great favor! However, it quieted down in modern times, becoming a scenic spot famous for its sea of bamboo, preserving many cultural relics!
First-time visitors can follow this route to check in:
Yunqi Archway — Yunqi Bamboo Path Scenic Area West Gate — Xixin Pavilion — Wooden Boardwalk/Imperial Path — Yuyu Pavilion — Shuhuang Pavilion — Qiyun Pavilion — Miyun Pavilion — Moon Pond — Huangzhu Pavilion — Return
The whole loop takes about 4 hours. Take your time to take photos and check in, focusing on highlights like "Xixin Pavilion," "Wooden Boardwalk," "Yunqi Bamboo Path Stele Pavilion," "Suspension Bridge," "Huilong Pavilion," "Yuyu Pavilion," and "Huangzhu Pavilion." Every step is full of surprises, and every scene is unforgettable. Especially the "sea of bamboo," which offers a serene charm far from the hustle and bustle, a refuge from the harshness of the world. In the middle of the scenic area, there is a wooden boardwalk and an imperial path. The former is like a green fairyland, walking along the lush wooden path accompanied by babbling streams, creating a truly pleasant experience! The latter is the path once walked by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, known as the "Imperial Path"!
Even more surprising is the presence of many ancient trees in the scenic area, some of remarkable size. Yunqi Bamboo Path boasts a large number of them. For example, the thousand-year-old sweetgum tree has a main trunk reaching 38 meters high; around the "Yuyu Pavilion," there are numerous century-old trees, as if the history of the lake and mountains over thousands of years is all concentrated in their trunks.
If you have more time, you can also try the hidden experiences of Yunqi Bamboo Path:
01. Hiking: From the "Douyun Pavilion" in Yunqi Bamboo Path, you can follow the mountain trail upward to "Zhenji Temple [also known as Zhenji Monastery]," one of Hangzhou's ancient God of Wealth temples, where you can visit and pray. It houses the "Five Blessings Hall"! After touring here, you can choose to head towards "Jiuxi" or "Shili Langdang," both ancient paths with stunning scenery!
02. Accommodation: Unlike other attractions, Hangzhou Yunqi Bamboo Path offers lodging options. You can search for "Hangzhou Yunzhongjing Resort Hotel," which has various environments and shuttle services, making for a pleasant stay!
Additionally, here’s a little secret: entering Yunqi Bamboo Path from the "Jiuxi" or "Shili Langdang" directions through "Douyun Pavilion" is free! Free! Free! If you have good stamina, give it a try!
Transportation
By car: Navigate to "Yunqi Bamboo Path Scenic Area - Ground Parking Lot" and park directly.
By bus: Take routes 103, 121, 324H, or 1314 to "Yunqi Bamboo Path Station" and get off there.
Practical information for Hangzhou Yunqi Bamboo Path:
Tickets cost 8 yuan [free with Hangzhou Park Card], open from 07:00 to 17:00, located on Meiling South Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou. Public transport is recommended.
So, what do you think? Are you interested in Hangzhou Yunqi Bamboo Path? Feel free to leave your comments and join the discussion!