“A winding path through bamboo, where the mind finds peace”
Nestled in the southwestern corner of West Lake Scenic Area, at the southern foot of Wuyun Mountain, Yunqi Bamboo Path (Yunqi Zhujing) is one of the “Ten New Scenes of West Lake.” Since the founding of Yunqi Temple by the Wuyue Kingdom in 967 AD, this secluded valley has been celebrated for its dense sea of emerald bamboo, ancient towering trees, clear mountain streams, and mist-shrouded tranquility.
The revered Ming Dynasty monk Master Lianchi once taught here; Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong visited multiple times during their southern tours and left inscriptions; and Ang Lee filmed iconic scenes from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon among these very groves.
This isn’t just a sightseeing spot—it’s a dialogue with nature and history.
📍Basic Information
Address: No. 8 Meiling South Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou
Opening Hours: 07:30–17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
Admission Fee: ¥8 per person (exceptional value!)
Recommended Visit Time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Best Seasons:
Late spring to early summer (fresh green bamboo, sky-high negative oxygen ions)
Early morning after rain (mist weaves through the forest—truly ethereal)
Deep autumn (ancient maple trees blaze red against the evergreen bamboo)
🌟Highlights & Experiences
1.Walk Through the Bamboo Sea – Listen to the Wind
A 2.5-km stone-paved path—once an imperial trail—winds through a dense forest of towering moso bamboo, creating a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dappled patterns.
The gentle murmur of streams underfoot blends with birdsong and rustling leaves, offering true escape from urban noise.
After rain, it’s magical: droplets fall from leaves, the air is crisp and clean—no wonder Emperor Kangxi sought shelter here and composed poetry on the spot.
2.Historic Sites – Echoes of Zen and Royalty
Xixin Pavilion (“Washing the Heart”): Beside a crystal-clear pool, this Ming-era pavilion symbolizes “cleansing worldly distractions.” Sitting here, listening to water and watching bamboo, brings instant calm.
Huilong Pavilion: The exact spot where Li Mubai and Yu Shu Lien’s legendary conversation was filmed in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. A must-visit photo op.
Tomb of Master Lianchi: Resting place of the 8th patriarch of Pure Land Buddhism, surrounded by serene bamboo—a place of deep spiritual resonance.
“Ten New Scenes of West Lake” Stele Pavilion: Features calligraphy by Chen Yun (1985), adding cultural gravitas to the landscape.
3.Living Museum of Ancient Trees
Along the path stand millennium-old Chinese sweetgums (Liquidambar), century-old camphor trees, ginkgos, and chinkapins—gnarled trunks and vast canopies whispering centuries of stories.
In autumn, the fiery red leaves of the sweetgum contrast stunningly with the green bamboo—a visual symphony.
Advanced (Free Entry) Hike: Start from Jiuxi Eighteen Creeks → climb Wuyun Mountain → pass Zhenji Temple (“Wealth God Temple”) → descend directly to Yunqi Bamboo Path exit. This 4–5 km loop connects Jiuxi, Wuyun Mountain, and Yunqi—bypassing the ticket gate entirely while offering even more spectacular scenery!
🚌Getting There
Bus:
Take Bus 324 to “Yunqi Bamboo Path” (terminus)
Or take Bus 103 or 121 to “Meiwu” stop, then walk 10 minutes
Driving: Navigate to “Yunqi Bamboo Path Parking Lot”—limited spaces; arrive early on holidays
Cycling/Hiking: Ride or walk along the Meijiawu tea plantation road—passing rolling green fields before entering the bamboo realm
💡Practical Tips
✅ Wear non-slip shoes: Stone paths become slick with moss after rain
🌧️ Bring rain gear: Light rain enhances the atmosphere—but be prepared!
📸 Photography spots:
Shoot downward from Xixin Pavilion to capture stream reflections
Recreate the Crouching Tiger scene at Huilong Pavilion
Look up through bamboo gaps for “light shafts” effect
☕ Nearby add-ons:
Across from the exit lies the former “Lonely Tree” (now fenced off—viewable only from a distance)
On your way back, stop by Meijiawu Tea Village for a cup of premium pre-Qingming Longjing tea
Yunqi Bamboo Path isn’t found in crowds, but in stillness. Walk beneath thousand-year-old bamboo, listen to mountain streams and wind in harmony, and leave your city-worn worries in this emerald sanctuary.
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