Day 1 Shanghai → Jidong → Xuedouling → Shanghai
All day
Meet at the designated location of China-TravelNote at 07:30 in the morning and sign in.
We boarded the bus on time at 07:45 and set off. We were introduced to the itinerary and interacted with each other along the way, with laughter and joy all the way.
Arrive at Zhibukeng Village at 11:00 and set off for the starting point of Xuedouling hiking, then set off after warming up.
The Xuedouling Ancient Trail, approximately 7 kilometers long, serves as the gateway from Zhibukeng Village to Ancun and Shangwang. The stone steps, constructed of natural stone, rise in a continuous arc. Along the way, peaks overlap, rocks meet, and streams flow gently, creating a natural landscape of overlapping peaks, grotesque rocks, and lush greenery. The unusually shaped rocks along the path are truly breathtaking. Ascending from Zhibukeng Village, a stone bridge comes into view. Further ahead, a natural stone lion crouches by the stream, known locally as Lion Rock. From behind, it resembles a crouching lion about to ascend, a truly lifelike sight. Before the stone lion, two rocks are split in two. This is called Jianmen Liyun, meaning "splitting the clouds," resembling stones split by a sword.
After a while we arrived at the reservoir on the top of the mountain. It was as flat as a mirror. It looked like late autumn. The leaves of the metasequoia trees had turned red and turned into a redwood forest. It was still green now, but it had an extra view under the sunlight.
Next we continued on our way, slowly descending the mountain along the ancient trail. The stone steps stretched out all the way, and the breeze was gentle, which was very pleasant.
At 16:30, we arrived at the point where we could get off the mountain. The bus was already waiting there and we boarded the bus to return to Shanghai.
We arrived at the departure point in Shanghai at 19:00. Everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes.
Reference for viewing period in 2024:
From the end of October to the beginning of November, the green metasequoia will gradually turn yellow. The 11.16/17 batches of metasequoia will be yellow-green among the green and yellow forests. Please be advised.
From late November to early December, the redwoods turn red and the mountains are covered with autumn colors.
From early to mid-December, the leaves of the fir tree turn red, and winter comes in late autumn.
