Zhejiang | Ailao Mountain, Not for the Faint-Hearted, Almost Didn't Make It Back

This is one of the most thrilling rainy-day hikes I've done this year. Fenghua Bijia Mountain, Ye Ye Pan. After the rain, the entire mountain was shrouded in mist. During this hike, we were the only team on the whole mountain, giving it a rainforest exploration vibe—very exciting. Plus, searching for footholds on slippery rock walls was a test of both body and willpower. It became one of the most memorable hikes in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. There was also a mom with two boys, aged 6 and 11, on this hike.
📍【Basic Information】Fenghua Bijia Mountain
▪️Route: Fenghua District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province
▪️Length: About 9-11 kilometers, Elevation gain 700+
▪️Difficulty: ⭐⭐☆☆ (Challenging for beginners)
🚌〖Transportation Guide〗
➊ High-speed train to Ningbo Station → Metro Line 4 → Metro Line 3 → Fenghua Jinzhushan Villa. You can also take a taxi directly (Ningbo Train Station → Fenghua Jinzhushan Villa 35 km)
➋ By car, navigate directly to Fenghua Jinzhushan Villa. About 3 hours from Shanghai, about 2 hours from Hangzhou.
🌟〖Route Highlights〗
▪️ Bijia Rock Checkpoint: Freehand climb on the giant rock formation, 100% photo-worthy—use both hands and feet to capture the conqueror’s perspective!
▪️ Chain-assisted sections: Hold tight to the chains and walk along the cliff! Maximum safety, even beginners can enjoy it fully.
▪️ Emerald Reservoir: The blue tear of the wilderness! The lake water is as clear as emerald, instantly healing when you reach here~
▪️ Wilderness crossing: Waist-high wild grass, unknown routes—true bushwhacking.
🎒【Wild Climbing Gear List】
▪️ Non-slip hiking shoes: Most important! Professional hiking shoes with good grip are required, ordinary sports shoes are not allowed.
▪️ Gloves: Non-slip, wear-resistant gloves to protect your hands from abrasions when gripping rocks and chains.
▪️ Backpack: Hiking backpack with a support system to stabilize your center of gravity and free your hands.
Bring more supplies rather than less
▪️ Water: At least 1.5-2 liters per person (more in summer), can be paired with a sports drink to replenish electrolytes.
▪️ Food: High-energy, lightweight snacks like chocolate, energy bars, beef jerky, bread, etc.
▪️ First aid kit: Band-aids, disinfectant wipes, elastic bandages, Yunnan Baiyao spray, etc.
▪️ Others: Sunscreen, power bank, some cash, ID.
📌〖Tips〗
✅ Suitable for couples’ dates/parent-child hiking
✅ Pet-friendly, you can bring your furry friends
✅ Recommend starting early, allow 5-6 hours
✅ Remember to bring trash bags, leave no trace in the mountains