West Tianmu Mountain Scenic Area

Introducing West Tianmu Mountain Scenic Area

Xitianmu Mountain, located 31 kilometers away from Lin'an, Hangzhou , is a national forest and wildlife nature reserve with a vegetation coverage rate of over 95% . The forest landscape is unique and is known for its " ancient, large, high, rare, numerous and beautiful " features.

Xitianmu Mountain has always been known as the " Kingdom of Big Trees " and is famous for its " Big Tree Canopy " . It has a rare community of giant cedar trees in the world, towering ancient trees and sturdy cedar trees in the primeval forest, including the " King of Big Trees " with a diameter of more than 2 meters , and wild ancient ginkgo trees, a relict plant of the Mesozoic Era known as " living fossils " .

West Tianmu Mountain is also a " paradise of birds and animals , " home to hundreds of species, including over 30 endangered species such as the clouded leopard and the black muntjac. Tianmu Mountain is also a world of insects, with 26 orders and 213 families, including 45 species named after the insect family " Tianmu ." The sheer number of type insect specimens and insects named after Tianmu in Tianmu Mountain is truly exceptional.

Climate and best time to travel

The four seasons are suitable, the summer is very cool and the winter is not very cold

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: more than 3 hours

Tickets

136 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:00-16:00

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Most Popular FAQs for West Tianmu Mountain Scenic Area

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

West Tianmu Mountain is part of the Tianmu Mountain range in Lin’an District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is notable for its ancient forest ecosystem, including the last truly wild wild ginkgo trees and giant Japanese cedars (one named “Tree King” by the Qing Emperor). The area is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The scenic area is located in Lin’an District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Transport options:

• By coach or car from Hangzhou city: drive or take a bus to Lin’an and then local shuttle/road up to the scenic gate.
• Once at base, walk or use internal paths/heavy-duty shuttle bus (if available) to access forest trails.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours: generally the scenic area opens around 08:00 and the main entry closes in the late afternoon (exact time may vary by season).
Best times to visit:

• Spring and early summer for lush greenery and mild temperatures.
• Autumn for foliage colours.
• Avoid peak holiday crowds by going on a weekday morning.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

According to sources, adult ticket price is about ¥100 (CNY) and children around ¥50 for the main Tianmu Mountain scenic area.
Tickets can be purchased online via major platforms (e.g., Trip.com) or at the entrance ticket office.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not strictly required in low season; however during national holidays or busy weekends, booking ahead online is recommended to secure entry and possibly shuttle bus slots.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

For a leisurely visit: allow 4–6 hours, including hiking and forest time.
If you plan to reach higher peaks, explore multiple trails and possibly overnight in the area: allocate a full day or overnight stay.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The giant trees-forest zone of West Tianmu (including the “Tree King”).
• Waterfalls, streams and mountain-forest trails (e.g., “Wan Song Lin” ancient pine forest).
• Chanyuan Temple at the foot of the mountain — historical Buddhist site.
• Viewpoints such as “Simian Peak” or other lookout platforms giving mountain panoramas.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No well-documented guided audio tours in English are confirmed from the sources. Visits are mostly self-guided; you may arrange a local Chinese guide for deeper interpretation.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The forest-clad ridge looking toward the valley, especially early morning when cloud/fog lingers.

• Close-up of the giant cedar “Tree King” trunk.

• Waterfall and stream sections surrounded by old trees and moss—great for nature photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the visitor centre or lower gate → walk the forest trail to giant trees zone → continue to a scenic waterfall or stream area → ascend to a viewpoint ridge or peak if you’re able → descend via a different trail or return to the temple area for a rest → exit via visitor centre.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no widely documented night-light show or special evening tour for West Tianmu; the site is best experienced during daylight.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The area is less crowded than major city attractions but can still draw visitors especially on weekends and holidays. The lowest crowded times are weekday mornings outside holidays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities are modest: restrooms near the visitor centre and trail heads; small cafés or picnic areas may be available near lower elevations; benches and shaded rest spots are found along main trails. Visitors should bring water/snacks for longer hikes.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Parts of the scenic area (lower forest trails, visitor centre) are accessible for children and moderately mobile elderly. However, steep trails, uneven paths and higher ridge-climbs may be challenging for those with limited mobility or wheelchairs.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

At the visitor centre and ticket office cards/mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) are generally accepted, but bringing some cash is wise for purchases along more remote trails or small refreshment kiosks.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby in Lin’an District and at the base of the mountain there are local restaurants offering Zhejiang mountain-cuisine (wild vegetables, bamboo shoots, local tea). At the visitor centre you may find a café or snack kiosk.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options (such as tofu dishes, wild greens) are available at many local restaurants; halal-certified venues are less common—if needed, enquire ahead in the nearby town.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are guesthouses, eco-lodges and small hotels in Lin’an District near the scenic gate. Staying overnight enables early-morning forest walks and cloud-sea views.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Chanyuan Temple (historical Buddhist site) near the mountain.
• Nearby tea-village visits (Tianmu Tea culture).

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops at the visitor centre sell local products such as Tianmu mountain tea, wooden-cedar craft items, postcards of big trees/forest.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting you can:

• Return by taxi or ride-hail to Hangzhou city or Lin’an town.
• If driving, continue into the rural mountain roads for other scenic villages or tea plantations.