Free Tour: Hiking through Faxi, Longjing & Jiuxi
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.
Pickup
A male tour guide holding a flagpole with a giant panda toy on top in the Faxi Temple Parking Lot
Description
Discover Hangzhou's gems on a 12-15km hike from Faxi Temple to ZJU's Zhijiang Campus. This 5-7hr 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.
Conclude at ZJU's historic Zhijiang Campus, where century-old red-brick buildings nestle among wooded slopes near Qiantang River.
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.