A Hidden Retreat on Hangzhou’s Scenic Outskirts
Nestled in the green hills southwest of Hangzhou’s famous West Lake, Jiuxi Eighteen Streams and Longjing Village form a tranquil world of bubbling brooks, tea-covered slopes, and misty forest paths. Often referred to as Hangzhou’s “back garden,” this area is beloved not only for its idyllic landscape but also for its cultural richness and immersive experiences.
Here, nature is not just a backdrop—it’s the main character. Flowing streams wind through shaded valleys, stone paths invite gentle hikes, and the aroma of fresh tea fills the air. Together, Jiuxi and Longjing create a journey that engages all senses, rooted in centuries-old traditions of Chinese tea culture and mountain living.
The Natural Beauty of Jiuxi Eighteen Streams
Jiuxi Eighteen Streams, meaning “Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies,” is a poetic name that hints at the flowing elegance of this serene valley. Stretching from Yangmeiling to the base of Qingtong Ridge, the area is defined by clear water weaving through a lush forested gorge. In spring and early summer, the streams swell, cascading over rocks and under footbridges, forming a soundtrack of gentle movement and quiet power.
What makes Jiuxi truly unique is its blend of wilderness and walkability. The hiking trails are soft underfoot and shaded by tall camphor, pine, and maple trees. Along the way, one encounters rustic stone pavilions, moss-covered benches, and tiny waterfalls—perfect spots to pause, take photos, or simply listen to the sounds of nature.
The area’s appeal lies in its calm, secluded atmosphere. Compared to more famous tourist sites, Jiuxi feels like a well-kept secret—a place where one can hike, reflect, or read a book beside a murmuring stream without crowds or noise. It’s a living painting of Chinese landscape aesthetics, often compared to scenes from classic ink-wash paintings.
Longjing Village and the Art of Tea
Ascending from Jiuxi’s valley floor toward the rolling hills, visitors arrive at Longjing Village, the birthplace of one of China’s most iconic teas—Longjing, or Dragon Well tea. Surrounded by vast tea plantations that climb the slopes like green waves, this village has been cultivating tea for over a thousand years. Today, it remains a working tea-producing community where heritage and daily life intertwine.
Walking through Longjing Village, the scent of fresh tea leaves and the rhythmic sound of hand-firing leaves in iron woks greet you at nearly every corner. Tea farmers often invite visitors to join in seasonal tea picking or demonstrate the ancient techniques of pan-frying—the essential final step in crafting Longjing’s distinct flat, jade-green leaves and subtly sweet aroma.
What makes the experience memorable is its authenticity. Visitors don’t just watch from afar—they are welcomed into the process. Whether wearing a straw hat in the fields or sitting beside a master roaster in a tea studio, one gains a direct connection to a practice that has nourished Chinese culture and philosophy for centuries.
A Tea with Imperial Roots
Longjing tea is more than a regional specialty—it is one of China’s ten most celebrated teas and has held the distinction of “tribute tea” since the Qing Dynasty. Emperors prized it not only for its flavor and calming properties but also for its elegance and craftsmanship. The tea has been praised in poems, celebrated in paintings, and cherished by scholars and monks alike.
Each spring, especially around Qingming Festival, the village comes alive with the excitement of the first harvest. These early spring leaves, known as “pre-Qingming” Longjing, are considered the finest and most delicate. For tea lovers and curious travelers alike, tasting this fresh brew in the place where it was grown is an unforgettable sensory experience.
Cultural Immersion and Mountain Lifestyle
Beyond tea, Longjing Village offers a glimpse into traditional rural life in southern China. The stone-paved paths, tiled-roof houses, and terraced fields speak of a slower rhythm and enduring customs. Some residents still make their own soy sauce, ferment pickles in ceramic jars, and cook with wood-fired stoves. It’s not uncommon to see elders sun-drying tea leaves on bamboo trays or chatting under grape arbors.
There are also opportunities to stay in local guesthouses or traditional inns, many of which offer tea ceremonies, cooking classes, and mountain-view terraces. These experiences offer not just accommodation, but cultural context—transforming a visit into a deeper encounter with the spirit of Hangzhou’s countryside.
Photographic Paradise and Seasonal Splendor
Photographers and nature enthusiasts find endless inspiration in the ever-changing scenery. In spring, tender tea shoots glisten with dew under soft sunlight. In summer, the streams are cool and inviting, perfect for shaded walks. Autumn brings golden hues and misty mornings, while winter reveals a quiet minimalism under frost-covered branches.
Each season casts its own spell on the landscape, and returning visitors often find new beauty even in familiar trails. The interplay of water, stone, tea, and sky creates scenes that seem lifted from ancient poetry.
What Visitors Are Saying
Visitors frequently describe Jiuxi and Longjing as the most peaceful and memorable part of their trip to Hangzhou. Many mention the balance of activity and calm—an invigorating hike through Jiuxi followed by a slow afternoon sipping tea in Longjing. Others are moved by the hospitality of local tea farmers and the chance to learn about tea from those who have passed down the craft for generations.
One guest shared, “It felt like stepping into a storybook of China—where mountains, tea, and tradition blend into one harmonious experience.” Another wrote, “I came for the views, but I left with a newfound love for tea and an appreciation for a culture that finds beauty in simplicity.”
How to Enjoy the Area
For a full-day experience, many choose to begin the morning with a hike through Jiuxi Eighteen Streams, following the winding creeks and shaded pathways. After emerging into Longjing Village, a tea-themed lunch at a local farm-to-table restaurant is a perfect way to refresh. The afternoon can be spent learning about tea processing, exploring tea plantations, or relaxing on a terrace with a freshly brewed cup in hand.
The area is easily accessible by public transport or taxi from Hangzhou city center and is ideal for those looking to escape urban crowds and connect with nature and tradition.
An Intimate Connection with Hangzhou’s Soul
In Jiuxi and Longjing, the elements of water, mountain, and culture converge to form a complete picture of what makes Hangzhou so revered throughout Chinese history. More than just scenic spots, these places offer a rare invitation into a quieter world—one where nature heals, tea teaches, and time slows down.
Whether you seek an immersive cultural experience, a refreshing outdoor adventure, or simply a moment of serenity among the hills, Jiuxi Eighteen Streams and Longjing Village deliver an unforgettable journey into the heart of China’s timeless beauty.
