Dragon Well Tea Villages & Secret Waterfalls: Hangzhou’s Most Beautiful Hike

Discover Hangzhou's gems on a 6km hike from Faxi Temple to Nine Creeks. This 4hr moderate trek through spiritual sites, tea fields and natural wonders reveals the city beyond West Lake.

Start at Faxi Temple, renowned for its serene atmosphere and layered architecture. Ascend stone stairs to Shili Langdang Ridge for breathtaking panoramas of endless Longjing tea plantations. Descend to Longjing Village to observe tea processing and sample fresh brews. Continue to Jiuxi (Nine Creeks), walking stone stepping crosses over streams beneath bamboo forests and ancient trees.

The tour itself is free to join—there's no fixed price. It operates on a "pay-what-you-feel" basis. At the end, you simply leave a tip based on how much you enjoyed the experience.

Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, carry water/snacks, start early. North-south direction recommended. Perfect for nature and culture enthusiasts. Tickets for Faxi temple are not included - 10 CNY.

”🚙 Beyond the Walking Tour: Private Day Trips

Besides showing you the West Lake, I am also a professional Private Driver & Business Guide with a comfortable 5-seater business car.

If you want to explore the real water towns without the hassle of public transport, I offer private trips to:

Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇):

The most famous water town in China! Known for its stunning night views and classic canals. A "must-visit" for first-timers. 🌃“

Nanxun Ancient Town (南浔):

My personal favorite "Hidden Gem". 🤫

Unlike the crowded spots, Nanxun is peaceful and authentic. You will see locals living by the river and a unique mix of traditional Chinese & Western architecture. Perfect if you want a quiet, relaxing day.

💡 Need a ride?

Save 3-4 hours on buses/trains. Ask me for a "Guest Rate" for a private car trip directly from your hotel! 🚗💨

Wuzhen Water Town: The most famous and stunning night view in China.

Yiwu Market: For business sourcing trips.

💡 Feel free to ask me about rates and itinerary planning when we meet! I offer special deals for my walking tour guests.

The tour lasts 4 hours

Available in English

100% of travelers recommend this Free Tour

Guide: wen

Tours since 2025

Hello, I'm Jacky, For years, I worked as a computer engineer, speaking the logical language of code. But deep down, I always felt a stronger call – the call of the trails, the whisper of the ancient trees, and the stories etched in the stones of my hometown, Hangzhou. My transition from behind a screen to guiding on the trails wasn't just a career change; it was a homecoming. I realized that Hangzhou is so much more than a "paradise on earth" from postcards. It's a living, breathing masterpiece where every hill, temple, and tea field has a soul. The city is like a perfect piece of software – but written by nature and history, with West Lake as its stunning user interface and the surrounding mountains and temples as its deep, powerful codebase. I decided to lead free tours because I believe the best way to experience Hangzhou is not through a rigid itinerary, but through a genuine connection. I want to share my Hangzhou with you – the secret spots away from the crowds, the local legends you won't find in guidebooks, and the profound peace you can find on a quiet trail. As a former engineer, I appreciate efficiency and value, so my goal is to give you an unforgettable, deeply personal experience that feels priceless, yet is free to join. You only pay what you feel the tour was worth at the end. So, join me! Let's swap stories, escape the noise of the city, and decode the hidden beauty of Hangzhou together, one step at a time.

4.67

6 reviews

Professionalism

5.00

Fun

4.80

Communication

4.80

Quality

4.60

Route

5.00

4.67

6 reviews

Professionalism

5.00

Fun

4.80

Communication

4.80

Quality

4.60

Route

5.00

3 stops

2.3 km walking

4 hours

Meeting point:Faxi Temple A male tour guide holding a flagpole with a giant panda toy on top at the gate of Faxi Temple. Due to year-round traffic control from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, taxis or Didi (ride-hailing services) cannot reach Faxi Temple directly. As an alternative, you can take a taxi to ShangMaojiabu Bus Station (上茅家埠), then take Bus 1314 and get off at ShangTianzhu Stop (上天竺, Faxi Temple), followed by a 5-minute walk to the temple.Open in Google Maps →

Outside visit

Longjing Tea Village

Outside visit

Li an temple

Outside visit

Nine Creeks in Misty Forest

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Not suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.