I thought West Lake was beautiful enough, until I went to…

Don't just focus on West Lake, Nine Creeks is a spring treasure I thought the beauty of West Lake was unique, until I stepped into Nine Creeks in Hangzhou, I realized what a hidden gem it is! Nine Creeks is called "Little Jiuzhaigou" by many people. Here, the streams flow, the bamboo forests are as dense as a green ocean, and the tea gardens are filled with the aroma of tea. It is a perfect place for a spring hike. Whether you are an average tourist or a hiking enthusiast, you can find the most suitable way to enjoy yourself here. Attraction Introduction • Nine Creeks Bus Stop: This is an important transportation hub for everyone arriving at Nine Creeks. Various buses gather here, and you can start your Nine Creeks journey as soon as you get off the bus. It's free to enter and exit, and it's the starting point of the journey. • Nine Creeks Smoke Trees: The most famous attraction in Nine Creeks, it is listed as one of the ten new scenic spots of West Lake. On sunny days, the sun shines through the trees and sprinkles on the winding streams, making them sparkle. When the fog is thick, the streams, green trees, and mountains are looming in the fog, like a fairyland. It's free and open all day, and it's the essence of Nine Creeks. • Longjing Village: The famous Longjing tea producing area, where every household grows and makes tea. Walking through it, you can see large areas of neat tea gardens, and you can also go into the tea farmers' homes to taste authentic Longjing tea and experience the charm of tea culture. The village is free and open all year round. • Ten Mile Corridor: It is the longest mountain ridge in Hangzhou, with an altitude of about 200 meters. Along the way, there are large tea gardens and dense forests, with a very wide view. Looking out from the mountain, the rolling hills and picturesque scenery make it a paradise for hikers. However, there are no tickets and no specific opening hours. • Meijiawu Village: Also a place rich in Longjing tea, unlike Longjing Village, the commercial atmosphere here is relatively stronger, with many farmhouses and tea houses for tourists to rest. Free to enter and exit, you can enjoy a leisurely afternoon here. • Yunqi Bamboo Trail: Here, the green bamboos are lush, the streams are murmuring, and the air is exceptionally fresh. Walking on the stone road, surrounded by green bamboos, it's like entering a green fairy tale world. Tickets are 8 yuan, and park card holders can enter for free. Best Travel Routes • Lazy Version: Starting from the Nine Creeks bus stop, if you don't want to walk, you can take the sightseeing bus directly to Nine Creeks Smoke Trees for 8 yuan. After enjoying the beautiful scenery, walk to the entrance of Longjing Village, the whole journey takes about 2 hours. This route is relaxing and suitable for those who want a leisurely tour. • Average Physical Strength Version: Starting from the Nine Creeks bus stop, first go to Nine Creeks Smoke Trees, then to the entrance of Longjing Village, and then walk into Longjing Village to experience the rich aroma of tea. After that, step onto the Ten Mile Corridor, walk to the entrance of Longjing Village, and continue to the entrance of Meijiawu Village, the whole journey takes about 4-5 hours. If you feel tired, you can stop at Longjing Village at any time to rest, eat, and drink tea. If you don't want to go back, it's perfectly fine to play in the opposite direction. • In-depth Tour Version: Starting from Yunqi Bamboo Trail, stroll through the bamboo forest and feel the fresh air. Then walk to Nine Creeks Smoke Trees, walk along the stream, and pass by Longjing Village, Ten Mile Corridor, and Meijiawu Village in turn. The whole journey takes about 6-8 hours. This route covers most of the attractions in Nine Creeks and is suitable for those who have plenty of time and are physically fit. Best Photo Spots • Nine Creeks Smoke Trees: Standing by the stream, with the stream, green trees, and distant mountains as the background, the photos taken are fresh and natural. In the early morning or evening, the light is soft, and the photos taken are better. • Longjing Village Tea Garden: Standing in the large tea garden, with neat tea trees as the background, wearing simple clothes, you can take photos full of idyllic atmosphere. • Ten Mile Corridor Viewing Platform: Standing on the viewing platform, with rolling mountains and endless tea gardens behind you, overlooking the scenery, any photo taken is stunning. • Meijiawu Village Stream: Sitting on the bench by the stream, with the stream and the ancient bridge as the background, the photos taken are full of life. Precautions • It is recommended to arrange Nine Creeks Smoke Trees in the first half of the itinerary, because the scenery here is the most beautiful, and you can better appreciate its beauty when you are full of energy. • The Ten Mile Corridor from Longjing to Meijiawu is not recommended for people with poor physical strength. The scenery is relatively ordinary, and the sun is very strong when the weather is good. • Friends who choose the second or third route can rest and adjust in Longjing Village, eat, drink tea, and replenish their energy. • If you are driving by yourself, you need to book parking in advance on "Palm West Lake". You can drive directly into the Nine Creeks scenic area or park in the parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area. • It is best to wear comfortable sports shoes when hiking, and take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures. Local Specialties • West Lake Vinegar Fish: Made with grass carp from West Lake, the meat is tender, sweet, and sour, and it is a traditional Hangzhou dish. • Longjing Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is cooked with Longjing tea. The shrimp is white, tender, and has a faint tea aroma. • Dingsheng Cake: Exquisite in shape, soft in texture, sweet but not greasy, it is said to have a beautiful meaning. • Cong Bao Gui: Wrap fritters and green onions in spring pancakes, press and bake them in a pan until golden brown, then brush with sweet bean sauce, and the aroma is overflowing. Come to Nine Creeks and start a romantic spring hiking trip. The beautiful scenery and delicious food here will definitely not disappoint you!