Walking along the Shangxiang Ancient Path is like stepping into Hangzhou's history. This cobblestone trail, once the main route for pilgrims to Lingyin Temple, winds through** towering ancient trees** with an air of Zen tranquility. The tea fields and mountain streams along the way create a serene escape from the city. Come at dawn to see the path shrouded in mist – it feels magically untouched, and you might even spot local tea pickers at work!

Nestled in Longjing tea fields, this designer hotel blends nature with artistry flawlessly. As a Gold-Tier Cultural Theme property, it features floor heating & smart systems, even curated toiletries. 70 uniquely themed rooms, organic farm-to-table dining, and handcrafted winter-brewed wine. Kids love the playground & childcare, while couples adore stargazing rooms. The walkable location to Lingyin Temple with free parking makes it perfect for eco-chic getaways.

Step into this movie-themed hotel and be transported to another era. Nestled near West Lake, this Republic-era building features a sprawling courtyard with ancient trees, bridges, and a Baroque-style villa that’s simply breathtaking. The hotel seamlessly blends film culture into every detail, with 31 movie-viewing rooms equipped with professional projection for a cinematic experience. Don’t miss the Walk of Fame and art-lit lobby, perfect for Instagram moments! Ideal for couples, families, or business trips, the hotel offers kid-friendly amenities that’ll keep the little ones entertained. A truly unique stay!

This hotel is the perfect choice for both families and business travelers! Located on Xixi Road, it offers super convenient access to West Lake Wetland Park, Lingyin Temple, and Huanglong Business District—all just 8 minutes away by car. The hotel is fully equipped with a kids' club, game room, and even table tennis and foosball to keep children entertained. Rooms are cozy and clean, featuring premium bedding, plus laundry and dryer services for long stays. The spacious meeting rooms can host up to 200 people, ideal for business events. Delicious breakfast, friendly front desk service, and free parking make it a great value!

This hotel is the perfect getaway! Nestled at the foot of Leifeng Pagoda, it offers breathtaking lake views and a panoramic vista of North and South Peaks and Baochu Pagoda. With pool, kids' play area, and executive lounge, it’s ideal for families or couples. The attentive service includes airport transfers, making travel hassle-free. Rooms are spacious and clean, featuring unique designs, and you can unwind with tea in the tea house. Don’t miss the stunning garden architecture and Jiuyan Bridge night views—perfect for Instagram!

This is an urban oasis! Nestled by the West Lake, this hotel boasts lush greenery and fresh air, even praised by Emperor Qianlong. Traveling with kids? Enjoy the children's playground and family-friendly activities, plus gourmet dining prepared by state banquet chefs. Top-notch amenities like 24-hour front desk, fitness center, and laundry service make your stay effortless. Unwind in the tea room or admire the Jiuyan Bridge night view. With strict pandemic measures and airport shuttle service, every detail is thoughtfully arranged. Don’t miss out!

Nestled in the northwest corner of West Lake, this luxury hotel seamlessly blends traditional garden architecture with modern elegance. Rooms are inspired by Jiangnan silk embroidery, offering understated sophistication. Jin Sha Restaurant delights with innovative Jiangzhe cuisine, while West Lake Restaurant serves authentic Italian flavors. Traveling with kids? The children's playground and Treasure Hunt activities will keep them entertained for hours! Unwind at the award-winning spa center. Whether it's a romantic getaway or family vacation, this hotel promises an unforgettable experience.

This hotel is a perfect family getaway! Nestled next to Xixi Wetland Park, it offers a serene yet poetic ambiance. The infinity pool and private soaking tubs are Instagram-worthy, while the kids' playground and children's pool will keep the little ones entertained for hours. With 24-hour front desk, free parking, and car rental services, every need is covered. Enjoy a barbecue in the garden or unwind in the tea room. Guests rave about the delicious breakfast, attentive service, and lake-view rooms—making it a high-value choice for your next trip!

Nestled by the picturesque West Lake, this hotel blends luxury with homely comfort—think 50sqm rooms featuring balcony views and classic European-style beds perfect for families and business travelers alike. Kids will love the playground and pool, while professionals appreciate the fully-equipped meeting spaces. The highlight? A global culinary journey from Thai spices to Hangzhou delicacies, all under one roof! With 24/7 front desk, airport transfers, and even a botanical café, every detail is designed for seamless stays. Don’t miss this unforgettable escape where hospitality meets elegance!

Nestled by the West Lake with 2000 meters of shoreline, this luxury retreat offers breathtaking views of Su Causeway at Dawn and Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset! Designed by masters for the G20 Summit, its classical gardens blend historic villas with poetic landscapes. Rooms exude elegant comfort, while the famed Ziwei Restaurant serves state-banquet-level cuisine. Enjoy the pool, spa, and tea house—perfect for couples or families. With attentive service (including airport transfers), it’s a slow-living paradise within a UNESCO World Heritage site!

If you're looking for a perfect blend of design and natural beauty, this is the place for you! Nestled next to Xixi Wetland, just 300 meters from the bird-watching area, the hotel boasts stunning lake views and a chic ambiance. Awarded the China Design Boutique Hotel Award, its minimalist yet unique style is evident everywhere. The Xuan Seal Library, with its three-story ceiling, is a must-visit spot in Hangzhou, perfect for enjoying books and coffee. Ideal for family trips or romantic getaways, it offers a kids' playground, spa, and exceptional service. Just 15 minutes from West Lake, its convenient location makes exploring Hangzhou's top attractions a breeze.

This is the perfect choice for families! Located in the West Lake Hub, just a 5-10 minute walk to the lake and near the subway station, it's super convenient! The hotel offers smoke-free floors and a children's play area, ensuring kids have a blast. Lake-view rooms provide stunning vistas, while the heated pool and state-of-the-art gym help you unwind. With diverse dining options, from buffets to authentic Hangzhou cuisine, there's something for everyone. The professional event team ensures seamless arrangements, making it ideal for both family trips and business travel!

This is a hidden paradise for vacation, located in the Yunqi Bamboo Trail, one of the top ten scenic spots of West Lake. It perfectly blends ancient architecture preservation with modern design. The 28 uniquely styled rooms are spacious and bright, all equipped with smart facilities, plus a starry sky pool and children's play area, perfect for families. Enjoy Western cuisine, exquisite afternoon tea, and even bring your pets along! The serene environment, stunning lake views, and attentive service, including shuttle services, make it the ultimate getaway choice!

This hotel offers executive-level luxury! Nestled by the ancient moat of Hangzhou, it blends modern elegance with wellness, perfect for discerning travelers. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city’s past and present, plus premium bedding and designer toiletries for ultimate relaxation. The rooftop boasts a heated pool and gym, while kids love the play area—great for families. Its prime location near the subway makes exploring West Lake or reaching the airport a breeze. With attentive service, friendly staff, and even robot assistants, every detail is thoughtfully curated.

Tucked away in the Xixi Wetland, this luxury retreat is a rare urban oasis! From spacious suites and villas starting at 120 sqm infused with Jiangnan garden aesthetics to delicate silk embroideries blending with contemporary design, every detail dazzles. The highlight? Their award-winning Banyan Spa, where therapists trained in Lijiang and Phuket deliver authentic Asian therapies for total relaxation. Perfect for families with kids’ play areas or couples seeking romance by the pool and private gardens – a true paradise!

This hotel is a delightful surprise! Located at the heart of Wulin & Hubin twin business districts, it offers easy access to West Lake and the Grand Canal. The smart cloud technology enhances your stay with convenience and comfort. Rooms feature Hangzhou silk and Egyptian cotton, along with a complimentary minibar and snacks for a cozy touch. The 16㎡ dry-wet separated bathroom with a rainforest shower is pure luxury! Kids will love the children's play area and family cinema. Enjoy a breakfast feast with freshly prepared European, Asian, and local Hangzhou delicacies—truly an unforgettable experience!

This designer hotel is full of style, located between West Lake and Xixi Wetland, facing Zhejiang University Sci-Tech Park. The rooms feature Italian designer furniture and Kingkoil mattresses, with air purifiers for a comfortable stay. The G floor has a 24-hour gym and children's playground, perfect for families. The buffet breakfast is diverse and delicious, and you can even enjoy West Lake Longjing tea! With convenient transport and proximity to attractions, it's an ideal choice for couples and families alike!

Tucked away in the heart of Xixi Wetland, this resort blends nature with luxury. Stay in Fangfei Courtyard villas featuring private waterfront gardens, Japanese hinoki tubs, and Dyson hair dryers. Perfect for couples or families—kids adore the playground while adults relax in the tea room or pool. Surprise improvisational theater and team-building activities add fun, with lake views and Jiuyan Bridge nightscapes for Instagram moments. Impeccable service and top-notch facilities make it the ultimate urban escape!

Nestled along the Grand Canal, this hotel beautifully blends historical charm with modern luxury, offering stunning views of the iconic Gongchen Bridge! With elegantly designed rooms, 5 distinctive restaurants, and a kids' club, it's perfect for both family getaways and business trips. Enjoy the outdoor pool and spa center, or explore nearby malls and historic streets with ease. Plus, your stay supports a charity initiative for students in Yunnan—making your trip even more meaningful!

Nestled in the West Lake Scenic Area, this 1934-era garden villa blends history with modern luxury. Designed by renowned architects, the hotel retains its original charm while offering unique rooms named after flowers. Enjoy the endless library, tea room, and wedding lawn for a serene escape. The on-site restaurant serves fusion cuisine, perfect for couples or families. With thoughtful service and tranquil surroundings, it’s an ideal retreat for relaxation and romance.

This hotel is the perfect blend of leisure and business! Nestled next to the Xixi Wetland Park, it offers serene surroundings and lake views right from your balcony. The spacious rooms feature the renowned Sheraton Sleep Experience for a restful night. With four diverse dining options, from international cuisine to authentic Hangzhou dishes, you’ll never run out of choices. Unwind at the indoor heated pool or indulge in the spa treatments. Whether it’s a family getaway or a corporate event, the versatile meeting spaces and kids’ playground cater to all needs. Plus, its prime location provides easy access to West Lake and Alibaba’s headquarters. A stay here is a must!
Everything you need to know about Shangxiang Ancient Road
Recommended stay at Yunqi Zhujing Homestay near Lingyin Temple, nestled just steps from the Shangxiang Ancient Trail entrance. This boutique retreat blends traditional Jiangnan garden design with modern comfort, offering rooms with bamboo lattices and tranquil courtyard views. Guests can enjoy morning tea while watching mist drift through the pines—a perfect immersion in Zen tranquility. The property features free parking, private guided tours, and seasonal tea ceremonies.
Convenient access: 30 minutes from Hangzhou East Railway Station via metro Line 1 + bus 7 or 92 to Lingyin Temple stop. Shuttle services are available for groups, making it ideal for travelers seeking both cultural depth and natural serenity.
Must-see sites include Feilai Peak Grottoes and Yongfu Temple. The Feilai Peak rock carvings, dating back to the Five Dynasties and Southern Song periods, showcase exquisite Buddhist sculptures carved into limestone cliffs. Yongfu Temple, hidden deep within the forest, offers peaceful mornings filled with chanting monks—ideal for spiritual reflection. Along the trail, visitors also encounter lush Longjing Tea Fields and cascading waterfalls, creating a continuous landscape of natural beauty.
Unique experience: Participate in a morning ceremony at Yongfu Temple or sip freshly brewed Longjing tea at a local farm stall. These moments offer authentic insight into the "tea and Zen" philosophy deeply rooted in the region’s culture.
Take Metro Line 1 to Longxiang Bridge Station, then transfer to Bus 7 or 92 to Lingyin Temple Stop—just an 8-minute walk to the trailhead. For self-drive, navigate to "Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou"; parking is available nearby (approx. ¥15/hour). Several tour companies also offer private shuttle services with guided tours and tea experiences, ideal for families or groups. The journey takes about 40 minutes, providing a seamless transition from urban life to mountain serenity.
Tip: Weekends and holidays see heavy foot traffic—book guides or arrive early to avoid crowds and ensure smooth access.
Yes! Visit the Children’s Eco Education Zone behind Lingyin Temple, featuring nature trails, plant identification walls, and interactive games that teach kids about forest ecosystems. Guided workshops let children craft natural leaf vein bookmarks and grass-woven animals, blending fun with learning. Picnic spots with shaded benches line the path, perfect for family meals by streams. Some homestays also host parent-child tea art workshops, where families make Longjing tea cakes together.
Safety note: Bring non-slip shoes and insect repellent, and always follow signage—avoid unmarked or steep areas, especially with young children.
Spring brings vibrant blooms: cherry blossoms at North Peak and rhododendrons around the Three Heavenly Temples. The cherry grove near North Peak turns pink every late March to early April, creating a dreamlike tunnel of falling petals. Rhododendron fields around Tianzhu temples burst into color, contrasting beautifully with ancient temple roofs. Wild camellias and ferns add texture to the trail’s scenery.
Best viewing time: Mid-March to mid-April. Cool weather and fresh air make it ideal for photography and hiking. Bring a camera and lightweight backpack to fully enjoy the season’s natural splendor.
The main trail has no permanent night lighting or light shows, but during festivals like Mid-Autumn or Lantern Festival, Lingyin Temple hosts themed lantern displays with thousands of glowing lanterns illuminating pagodas and statues. Some homestays offer "Mountain Night Talk" experiences: stargazing sessions, bonfires, and meditation under the stars—perfect for quiet reflection. Limited sections near the temple perimeter have soft, warm glow pathways, ensuring safety without disrupting nature.
Caution: Trails become slippery at night. Wear grip shoes, travel in groups, and never enter unmarked or restricted zones after dark.
Recommended is Yunqi Bamboo Path - Yinshan Stay, nestled along the trail’s midsection, this eco-lodge blends traditional timber architecture with modern comfort. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking bamboo groves and misty peaks, creating a serene, meditative atmosphere.
Unique Experiences:
The owner, a local historian, hosts monthly "Ancient Trail Night Talks", sharing oral histories of pilgrims and temple lore passed down through generations. All services follow zero-waste principles—no single-use plastics, sustainable materials throughout.
Core Value: More than lodging—it's a living museum of heritage and nature, ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and stillness in a digital world.
Along Shangxiang Ancient Trail, visitors encounter several remarkable sights: the 1,000-year-old camphor tree grove, whose massive trunks form a living cathedral; the Feilai Peak Grotto Carvings, featuring ancient Buddhist statues carved into rock faces, including the iconic Great Buddha Head;
You’ll also pass the ruins of Jingci Temple, once a major pilgrimage hub, and a well-preserved Qing Dynasty stone bridge with inscribed calligraphy. Midway up, the Scenic Overlook Platform offers panoramic views of West Lake, especially magical during morning fog when the lake appears to float above the clouds.
The 2.8-kilometer path is paved with weathered stone slabs, gently graded for all ages. Signage in both Chinese and English provides historical context and plant identification at each station, making it an educational journey as much as a scenic one.
Cultural Significance: This route was historically used by thousands of pilgrims heading to Lingyin Temple. It remains a living testament to the fusion of folk religion and daily life in Southern China, with preserved incense altars and prayer ribbons still visible today.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning for solitude and misty beauty; bring water, comfortable shoes, and consider joining a guided walk led by local elders for deeper insights.
The most convenient way is to take Line 1 of Hangzhou Metro to Longxiang Bridge Station, then transfer to Bus 7 or 7 Express bound for "Lingyin Temple". Alight at the stop and walk 10 minutes to the trailhead—total travel time about 40 minutes, cost only ¥5.
For taxis or ride-hailing apps (Didi), enter "Lingyin Temple South Gate" or "Shangxiang Ancient Trail Entrance" as your destination. The trip takes 15–20 minutes from central Hangzhou, costing ¥30–40. Use Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps with offline mode enabled, as some sections have no mobile signal.
Travel Tips: Weekends and holidays see heavy foot traffic—arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds. The trail entrance has a small parking lot, but spaces fill quickly; public transit is strongly recommended.
Key Advantage: Excellent metro connectivity, frequent buses, clear navigation—making it one of the most accessible cultural trails in urban Hangzhou.
Beyond walking, Shangxiang Ancient Trail offers immersive cultural encounters. Join the Morning Prayer Ritual, led by monks from Lingyin Temple, featuring chanting, lamp lighting, and incense offering—experience genuine Buddhist devotion.
Try the Rock Carving Rubbing Workshop at Feilai Peak, where master artisans teach you how to create authentic ink rubbings of ancient Buddhist inscriptions and figures—a tangible keepsake of history.
Participate in a Mountain Tea Ceremony hosted at Yunqi Bamboo Path Inn, sipping freshly harvested Longjing tea while learning its deep ties to the trail’s past. Evenings feature "Trail Tales by Firelight", storytelling sessions under the stars by local elders recounting legends of pilgrims, floods, and forgotten shrines.
These experiences emphasize slow travel, sustainability, and intergenerational knowledge transfer—far beyond typical sightseeing.
Core Value: Authentic, non-commercial, and deeply rooted in place—ideal for travelers who value connection over consumption.
Yes, Shangxiang Ancient Trail is highly suitable for families. At 2.8 km long with gentle slopes and stone-paved paths, it’s safe and accessible for children and elderly. Six well-maintained rest stops provide benches, drinking fountains, and clean restrooms.
Clear signage in both Chinese and English marks distances, directions, and safety notes. Emergency stations with first aid kits and direct hotline access are located at the entrance, halfway point, and the overlook platform.
Safety Features: Daily patrols monitor conditions; drainage systems are reinforced during rainy seasons. Shade shelters and mosquito repellent stations are available during summer months. Free rental options include hiking poles and baby carriers at the trailhead.
Family-Friendly Add-ons: Children receive a themed scavenger hunt guidebook with puzzles and photo challenges. Nearby lodges offer kid-friendly activities like bamboo weaving and plant ID games.
Key Benefit: Thoughtful design ensures safety without sacrificing adventure—perfect for parents wanting a meaningful, low-stress outing with their kids.
Staying at Yunqi Bamboo Path - Yinshan Stay transforms your visit into a full sensory experience. Perched mid-trail, this boutique lodge uses reclaimed wood and local stone, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame ever-changing views of swaying bamboo and distant mountain ranges.
Special Features:
The owner, a heritage researcher, hosts intimate "Trails of Memory" evenings—storytelling sessions sharing oral histories of old pilgrims and temple custodians. Sustainability is core: zero plastic, solar power, and composting toilets.
Why It Stands Out: Not just accommodation—it’s a living archive of culture, nature, and quiet contemplation. Perfect for those seeking depth, serenity, and a true sense of place.
Explore more amazing destinations