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July 27, 2016

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Home » City specials » Hangzhou

Natural attractions offer refreshing outdoor fun

By Wu Huixin | July 27, 2016, Wednesday | Print Edition

THIS time of year, many Hangzhou residents seek leisure activities that offer respite from high temperatures. But the scorching weather hasn’t dampened people’s enthusiasm for being outdoors, especially in the spirit of the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Today Shanghai Daily recommends a couple of options for outdoor fun that will help you get through the sweltering summer months and work out in a cooling, idyllic way.

Paddling

Hangzhou boasts a number of springs, creeks and shallow rivers where people can refresh themselves by drifting along cooling waters.

Tonglu County, in southwest Hangzhou, is famous for its mountain and river scenery. The paddling stretch along the Chuiyun Tongtian River starts from Bipu Port and ends at Lengkeng. A complete journey down this slow-moving and winding riverine course takes about an hour-and-a-half. A few small drops add a dose of excitement along the way.

A perfect course for lazy paddling runs through Shuangxi Bamboo Forest in Yuhang District. The river is broad, calm and clear enough to see fish and the riverbed below. Aquatic birds fly overhead or pick their way along the banks. Lush vegetation on either side helps keep the temperature cool and provides a peaceful retreat.

There are tea plantations, dark green bamboo forests and hilly landscapes extending for kilometers along the paddling course.

Rafting

The more adventurous may want to experience Hangzhou’s rushing rivers and rapids.

Hangzhou has many nearby water retreats where visitors can tackle rapids both big and small. Temperatures in the hilly, wooded, river and lake areas are definitely lower than in the concrete jungle.

Daxi Gorge in Tonglu County was formed by glaciers and features sheer granite cliffs and rapids flowing at around 5 cubic meters per second. The 8-kilometer-long rafting stretch of rapids drops 198 meters, meaning there’s a 5-meter drop every 200 meters or so. Rafters need to stay alert to appreciate the scenery as it races past.

The man-made Thousand Islands Lake in Chun’an County also boasts rapids suitable for rafting at Longtan Gorge, Jiulong Stream Rapid, Jinfeng Canyon Rapid and Pinghe River Rapid.

Another highly recommended rafting course is at Longtan Gorge. It stretches 3.6 kilometers and has a total drop of 160 meters. The swift water released from the reservoir makes this course a challenge. There are swift moving whirlpools to navigate as well as drops of over 20 meters.

Hiking

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies is a popular summer hiking course, offering cool and quiet amidst the summer heat, with fresh breezes and shade from lush vegetation. After wading across streams and valleys, walkers arrive at a landscape of fields and folk houses where they can take a break and chow down at family-run eateries.

The bamboo-lined path at Yunqi is also popular with hikers. It offers serenity and shade on summer days. Both sides of the trail are flanked by tall bamboo trees, resulting in temperatures two or three degrees Celsius lower than the surrounding area. Along the path, hikers can see ancient trees, as well as historic pavilions and steles.

In addition to the popular hiking routes, there is a less-traveled path hidden away among Hangzhou’s hills.

Nine Miles of Pine Trees was an wooded area established during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). Though the pines were felled in the 1930s, they made a comeback in the 1950s, with a path flanked by pines created on the site. Walkers can enjoy the fresh pine scent carried by the breeze as they walk along the path.

Cycling

Cyclists should visit Chun’an’s Chunyang Road, which stretches from Jiangbu Bridge to Fenkou Town. It traces the shores of Thousand Islands Lake and is equipped with a bike path. In addition to its gorgeous lake views, the road also takes visitors to several ancient villages and towns.

Another suitable route for bicycling is Zhongling Road. Since ancient times, it has played a vital role in connecting Xiaoshan District and Fuyang County. The zigzaging road is flanked by mountains and bamboo forests, which are often shrouded with mist in rainy days.

Closer to downtown Hangzhou, Meiling Road is great for riding. It connects Meijiawu Village and Lingyin Temple. It also passes the city’s main Longjing tea plantations.

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