A hidden gem for children to take their kids out in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai: a family hike to pick autumn leaves at Yuling Mountain in Quzhou

In Hangbu Town, Kecheng District, I've discovered a "family-friendly treasure mountain." No crowds, no entrance fees! Take your kids on a walk to identify plants, explore the wild, and enjoy panoramic views. Enjoy the fun of the mountain every Monday!

📍Location & Parking: For the lazy, just copy the instructions.
Search "Yuling Mountain Archway, Hangbu, Quzhou" on the navigation (don't get it wrong! Locals also call it Yulin Mountain). There's a free parking lot directly in front of the archway, with space for over 20 cars. Arrive before 10 AM on weekends and you'll almost always have a spot. Park and you're ready to start hiking. The entire trail is made of cement, making it perfect for families with children!
🚶‍♀️Easy Hiking Loop for Ages 3+ (Route Details Included)
The 4km hike takes 2.5 hours and is easy enough for kids to complete on their own. The route is a closed loop with no detours:
Yuling Mountain Archway → Ancient Trees → Mid-mountain Rest Area → Yuling Mountain Temple → Dense Forest Trail → Parking Lot
• First Half (Fun Start): As soon as you start, you'll be greeted by a vast expanse of centuries-old trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Kids will chase squirrels and play "sweeper" with pine needles – it's completely effortless.
• Highlights (Check-in + Resupply): At the mid-mountain rest area, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Quzhou city. Take out the snacks you prepared and enjoy them with your kids while you enjoy the view. Passing by Yuling Mountain Temple, be sure to play on the wooden swing and mountain rings behind the temple; your kids can keep playing for half an hour.
• Second Half (Nature Classroom): Descend the mountain and follow the dense forest trail to the left (hold your child's hand and walk slowly). You'll be able to spot jujubes and Schima superba along the way. If you're lucky, you might even pick up some hairy wild chestnuts. Bring a small hammer and let your child smash them themselves – it's a real sense of accomplishment!
⚠️Tips for Hiking with Children (Broken Tear Experience)
1. Wear non-slip sneakers! The trail downhill is covered with larch needles, so avoid slipping. Have your child wear long sleeves and long pants to protect them from branches.
2. Bring snacks and warm water! Children get hungry easily during the 4km hike, so pack energy bars and fruit for energy and treats.
3. Bring mosquito repellent and a small first aid kit! Autumn forests are full of mosquitoes, so include Band-Aids and iodine in your first aid kit for minor scrapes.
4. Don't rush! I let my child squat and watch ants or pick up rocks whenever he wants. The point of an outdoor hike is to let him explore freely.

Today, he found a rock in the mountains. Because it was so heavy, he thought it must be a nugget of gold and held on to it tightly. He also found a wild chestnut, fuzzy and resembling a small hedgehog. After much effort, he cracked it open and harvested half a chestnut. He learned about plants like jujube, Schima superba, and goldenrod. He climbed high to see the distant horizon, covering his chest with leaves and calling them his green little hearts. He also collected fallen pine needles on the trail. Today was another day of transforming autumn into a long poem.

Post by Scarlett@Turner30 | Oct 26, 2025