Bravely Journey to Donghai Yunding | Standing on the ancient Donghai volcano, climb to the summit of Ninghai Mozhu Peak!

Day 1 Suzhou → Yancang Mountain → Bingyangang → Yancang Mountain → Farmhouse Accommodation

07:00

Meeting point 1: 07:00-07:10, intersection of Jintang Street and Zongguantang Road (near Exit 6 of Pinghe Road Station on Metro Line 2. Self-driving cars can park at Yaosheng Building, capped at 20 yuan/day)

Meeting Point 2: 07:30-07:35, Suzhou City Toll Station (G1522 Changtai Expressway Entrance), 200 meters south, waiting for the bus under the elevated road (if you drive, you can park at Huadong Decoration City, the maximum fee is about 25 yuan/day)

11:30

Arriving at the starting point of the hike, Yancang Mountain, the first day’s itinerary was Foshou Mountain – Yancang Mountain – Jixiang Zen Temple. Yes, you heard it right, this is not Yandang Mountain, nor Kuancang Mountain, but Yancang Mountain in Ninghai!

The area is also home to the Jiulong Waterfall, a filming location for the popular film "My Youth and I," and the legendary "Swordsman in the Snow." According to records, the waterfall has a drop of over 50 meters and is approximately 35 meters wide. Today's itinerary is slightly shorter and less challenging than the second day. After a warm-up session, the team departs. The waterfall is located in a secluded area with a pavilion called "Yanzhulu" at its base. This pavilion, nestled against the backdrop of the serene lake below, creates a secluded atmosphere.

13:00

After reaching Foshou Terrace, we continued along the bamboo forest path towards Jixiang Temple. Passing by Jixiang Zen Temple, the temple is tranquil and elegant, with the graceful dry landscape adding to its beauty. China-TravelNote takes you to Ninghai's thousand-year-old ancient Zen temple!

We followed the ancient trail all the way to the foot of the mountain. When we walked out of the trail, the bus had been waiting there for a long time. We took the bus to a nearby farm for dinner.

5:30 PM

We arrived at the farm for dinner, and everyone paid their own share, drank some wine, and sang some songs. It was very pleasant!

After enjoying our feast, we waited for the stars together at night, chatting about everything from poetry and songs to the philosophy of life, and the stargazing continued until late at night.

The time nodes are for reference only, and the actual situation on the day shall prevail.

If there is early rainfall during the Yancang Mountain small loop, there will be wading sections. If you mind, it is recommended to bring your own pair of shoes or river trekking shoes.

Driving time: about 3.5 hours

Hiking: Today's hike is 10 km, with a total ascent of about 450 meters.

Day 2 Farmhouse → Longtan Village → Niaolongkou → Mozhu Peak → Longtan Village → Suzhou

07:30

After a night of rest and adjustment, we woke up naturally this morning and got up for breakfast! Don’t forget to take a group photo after breakfast.

Today we will take a small loop of Donghai Yunding, with a total length of about 10-11km, passing through Niaolongkou, Mozhu Peak, Yunfeng Temple, and Longtan Village. It takes about 6-7 hours. From the steep ridge to the gravel mountain road, to the canyon, and finally through the bamboo forest and ancient village, the entire hiking route is full of various elements. It is simply a visual feast!

10:30

Arrive at Niaolongkou and start hiking up to the summit of Mozhu Peak. Once you reach the highest point, feel the stunning mountain ridges and gaze out at the vast sea of ​​clouds. The mountains are like small boats on the waves, and you'll feel a sense of pride as if you were looking down on all the other mountains.

12:00

Arrive at Yunfeng Temple, hike along the reservoir, cross the tunnel, then walk down the mountain along the bamboo forest path, walk along the stream, with a series of pools and waterfalls, and cross many ancient trails. Finally, go down the mountain along the Ninghai National Hiking and Fitness Trail to the ancient village.

2:30 PM

The bus had been waiting here for a long time, and we took it back to Suzhou.

7:30 PM

We returned to our departure point in Suzhou, marking the end of our two-day trip! Everyone was still reluctant to leave, and we kissed goodbye with tears in our eyes!

Note: The timeframe is for reference only. Please note that the specific timeframe will be determined on Saturdays and Sundays. Please be sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes and trekking poles. A headlamp is recommended for autumn and winter.

There is no supply during the hike, so it is recommended to bring enough dry food and water before departure!

Driving time: about 4.5 hours from Longtan Village to Suzhou

Hiking: Today's hike is about 10-11 km in a small loop, with a total climb of about 800 meters, and the highest altitude is Mozhu Peak, 872.6 meters

1. Ninghai - This means "peaceful sea and tranquil environment." Because this place is located by the sea, the locals suffer greatly from the waves. For those living by the sea, nothing is more important than calm waters!

Ninghai boasts not only beautiful coastlines, but also picturesque mountains and rivers, and vibrant waters... My earliest memory of Ninghai comes from Xu Xiake's Travel Notes, where Mr. Xu began his hiking career. To retrace our ancestors' footsteps, why not check in here with China-TravelNote?

2. Donghai Yunding: Located in the northeast of Ninghai County, it is the highest mountain range in the northeast of Ninghai. Its highest peak, Mozhu Peak, is 872.6 meters above sea level. Donghai Yunding is also known as the "Tea Mountain". It is a tourist destination that integrates sea viewing, summer vacation and health preservation.