Is the Nine Creeks hike hard, and how long does it take?

No — it is a gentle 5 km stream-and-tea-hill walk on a mild gradient, suitable for most fitness levels, taking around 2 to 3 hours one way. The route follows a small stream through Longjing tea terraces. The main effort is crossing the stream on stepping stones, so wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.

Do I need a ticket for Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies?

No. It is part of the public West Lake scenic area and entry is free, with no gate or ticket booth. There is no English signage along the trail, so download an offline map before you go. The only money you'll spend is on tea or snacks at the village teahouses along the way.

How do I get back to West Lake after the hike?

The trail ends at Yangmeiling tea village, where local buses such as the 87 or Y5 line run back toward the West Lake area. Since you finish at a different point from where you started, it is a one-way walk — plan to catch a bus or taxi rather than retracing the whole route on foot.

Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Tea-village stream hike south of West Lake — 5 km gentle gradient through Longjing tea hills, with stream crossings and tea-tasting villages. Free.

At a glance

What it is: Outdoors
Also known as: 九溪十八涧 (Jiǔ Xī Shí Bā Jiàn)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: Half day
Best time to visit: April-May tea season; November maples
Getting there: Taxi / DiDi from metro
English: Little to no English
Cards accepted: Visa
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: No public Wi-Fi
Address: Jiuxi Yanshu area, West Lake Scenic District · 西湖风景名胜区九溪烟树南侧

See Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gulliestickets & tours

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Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies (九溪十八涧) is a 5 km gentle stream-and-tea-hill hike rated as one of West Lake's most beautiful walks — but far less crowded than the lake itself. Trail head at the southern Liuhuangcun Tea Village (六和塔附近), following a small stream through nine confluences and eighteen smaller gullies, climbing past Longjing-area tea terraces, ending at Yangmeiling (杨梅岭) tea village. Free entry. 2-3 hours one-way; bus 87/Y5 returns to West Lake. Stream crossings on stepping stones (or bring sandals). The half-way teahouse 'Nine Streams Smoke Trees' (九溪烟树) sells fresh Longjing tea harvested that morning. Best April-May (new tea season) or November (red maple). Combine with a Longjing village visit for a half-day tea-themed circuit.

Highlights

Free entryPublic West Lake scenic area — no ticket
Nine Streams Smoke Trees teahouseHalfway rest stop, fresh Longjing
Stream crossingsStepping stones; bring water sandals in summer

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Time your visit for April-May new-tea season or November red maples; outside these the green hills are pleasant but less striking.
▸Carry small cash — the village teahouses and the Nine Streams Smoke Trees rest stop sell fresh Longjing but rarely take foreign cards.
▸In summer the stepping-stone crossings get slippery and wet; pack water sandals or quick-dry shoes rather than sneakers.
▸There is no Wi-Fi and weak signal on the trail, so save an offline map and screenshot your return bus stop before starting.
▸Walk it as a downhill-ending one-way route from the tea-village trailhead so the gentle gradient works in your favour.
▸Tea bought from the morning harvest at the halfway teahouse is fresher than anything in city shops — buy here, not downtown.
▸Pair it with a Longjing village stop for a full tea-themed half-day, since both sit on West Lake's quieter southern side.

Photos

Two women picking tea leaves in a lush plantation in Hangzhou, China.

Vibrant green tea fields with farmers at work in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.

Aerial view of lush green tea plantations in Hangzhou, China, showcasing terraced fields under a vibrant tree.

Beautiful aerial view of vibrant green tea fields in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China.

A vibrant green tea plantation in Hangzhou, showcasing China's rich agricultural landscape.

A tranquil scene of a glass teapot and cup on a fence in Hangzhou's lush tea fields.

Beautiful misty tea terraces in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, enveloped in fog

Peaceful pathway surrounded by vibrant greenery in a tranquil garden setting of Hangzhou, China.

Green direction signs guiding to China Tea Museum and Shuangfeng Tea Plantation with lush foliage backdrop.

Picturesque scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, featuring a traditional Chinese pagoda and lush foliage.

A breathtaking view of misty mountains and lush green fields in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

A peaceful lake scene featuring an arch bridge and lush greenery under a clear sky.

Elderly man pushes cart in Hupao Park, Hangzhou, surrounded by lush greenery.

A man wearing a conical hat runs through vibrant green tea fields in Phú Thọ, Vietnam.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

HikingHZ·TripAdvisor·5/5

Free 5km hike through Longjing tea hills. Stream crossings on stepping stones (bring sandals in summer). 2-3 hours one-way, bus back from Yangmeiling.

2026-04-25

九溪十八涧·Xiaohongshu·5/5

西湖最美徒步！4-5 月新茶季节。九溪烟树茶馆半山喝龙井。秋天枫叶红更美。免费免门票。

2026-03-22

Mike P.·Google Maps·4/5

Quiet alternative to West Lake's crowds. Tea farms, stream crossings, fresh air. Pair with Longjing village visit for tea-themed half-day.

2026-02-18

Frequently asked questions about Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Is the Nine Creeks hike hard, and how long does it take?: No — it is a gentle 5 km stream-and-tea-hill walk on a mild gradient, suitable for most fitness levels, taking around 2 to 3 hours one way. The route follows a small stream through Longjing tea terraces. The main effort is crossing the stream on stepping stones, so wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.
Do I need a ticket for Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies?: No. It is part of the public West Lake scenic area and entry is free, with no gate or ticket booth. There is no English signage along the trail, so download an offline map before you go. The only money you'll spend is on tea or snacks at the village teahouses along the way.
How do I get back to West Lake after the hike?: The trail ends at Yangmeiling tea village, where local buses such as the 87 or Y5 line run back toward the West Lake area. Since you finish at a different point from where you started, it is a one-way walk — plan to catch a bus or taxi rather than retracing the whole route on foot.