Name: Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies
Address: Jiuxi Yanshu area, West Lake Scenic District, Hangzhou, China
Price range: Free
Rating: 4.7

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.

Address

Jiuxi Yanshu area, West Lake Scenic District

西湖风景名胜区九溪烟树南侧

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

For foreign visitors

English service: none
Cards accepted: visa
Booking / entry: not needed
Best time: April-May tea season; November maples
Wi-Fi: none
Transit access: need taxi

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