The stream gently laps at your ankles; Jiuxi is truly Hangzhou’s green wonderland

📍Location: Hangzhou · Jiuxi Yanshu (Jiuxi Eighteen Streams)
🚇Transportation: Metro Line 4 to Shuichengqiao, then transfer by bus/taxi about 15 minutes｜Self-driving can park at Jiuxi Rose Garden or Yangmeiling
🚶‍♀️Route: Jiuxi Entrance → Jiuxi Yanshu → Longjing Village (about 3 km total, 1.5 hours walking)
Best time: May to September｜Early morning 6:00-8:00 / After 5:00 PM for fewer people and beautiful scenery

If you think summer in Hangzhou is only about the crowds by West Lake, then you definitely haven’t been to Jiuxi Yanshu.

That day at 6:30 AM, I walked barefoot into the Jiuxi entrance, and a coolness surged from my feet to my heart—
The clear stream was slowly flowing over my ankles,
Sunlight filtered through layers of camphor and maple trees, casting dappled shadows,
Cicadas chirped, birds sang, and water babbled—a natural forest symphony.

At that moment, I suddenly understood:
The most beautiful summer in Hangzhou isn’t at Broken Bridge, but in this little creek swallowed by greenery.

🌿 Why is Jiuxi called the “Green Wonderland”?

✅ A stream every three steps, a pool every five steps — the whole path is a flowing water gallery
✅ Tree canopies weave a natural “tunnel,” walking through feels like entering a fairy realm
✅ Water is crystal clear, small fish dart between stones, children laugh nonstop playing barefoot in the water
✅ After finishing the walk, you can head to Longjing Village for a cup of pre-Qingming Longjing tea, pure bliss

There are no steps or railings here, only natural pebble paths and wooden plank bridges lying across the stream.
You can slow down, take off your shoes, roll up your pants, and step into the water,
Let the city’s anxiety be washed away bit by bit by the cool mountain spring.

📸 Photo & Activity Guide｜How to get the best shots

📷Must-shoot spots:
- Looking back on the stone plank bridge in the stream (wear a light-colored long dress for a fairy-like look)
- “Tyndall beams” of sunlight piercing through the forest
- Children or pets running and catching fish in the shallow water
- Backlit forest silhouettes with glowing hair strands

👟 Outfit tips:
- Sandals or water shoes are a must! Avoid flip-flops as they are slippery
- White, grass green, and light blue clothes look best in photos
- Bring a small towel, very handy for drying feet after stepping in water

🚻 Practical tips:
- There is a small shop at the entrance selling bottled water and popsicles
- No toilets along the way, so it’s best to go before you start
- If you want tea, walk to Longjing Village at the end; recommended tea spots are “Tea People Village” and “Ten-Mile Lantern” tea garden

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who is Jiuxi suitable for?

✔️ Families with children: Kids love stepping in water and playing with stones, safe and fun
✔️ Couples: Holding hands crossing the stream, romantic without effort
✔️ Photography enthusiasts: Rich layers of light and shadow, even phone cameras can capture stunning shots
✔️ City escapees: Close to the city yet away from the hustle, find inner peace in 2 hours

💚 Final thoughts:

We are always searching for poetry and distant places,
But sometimes beauty is right there in the morning at your doorstep.

When all of Hangzhou rushes to West Lake,
I want to tell you:
Go to Jiuxi.

Take off your shoes, step into the stream,
Let summer truly begin from your feet.

📌 One-sentence travel advice:
Get up early! Get up early! Get up early!
Arrive at Jiuxi entrance before 6:30 AM to enjoy the whole forest and stream alone,
After shooting the sunrise light, head to Longjing Village for a bowl of Pian’er Chuan noodles, a perfect ending!