Visitor Guide to Siyanjing (Four-Eyed Well), Hangzhou

🏞️ ——“One ancient well, four clear eyes; half-mountain life, a lane fragrant with tea.”

Siyanjing (“Four-Eyed Well”) lies on the southwestern edge of West Lake, at the junction of Hupao Road and Manjuelong Road. It’s home to one of Hangzhou’s oldest surviving wells, dating back over 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty. The well gets its name from the stone slab covering its mouth, pierced with four circular openings for drawing water—a practical design that prevented contamination while allowing multiple users at once.Today, though no longer a daily water source, Siyanjing has blossomed into a charming hillside enclave where ancient heritage meets modern mountain living. Nestled against Nangao Peak and facing West Lake, it blends historic relics, boutique guesthouses, specialty coffee shops, authentic Hangzhou cuisine, and trailhead access—making it an ideal escape for travelers seeking a quieter, more poetic side of Hangzhou.

📍Essential Information

• Location: Intersection of Hupao Road and Manjuelong Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou (near Hangzhou Zoo, Hupao Park, and Manjuelong)
• Transport: Get off at “Siyanjing Bus Stop”; drivers can park at nearby guesthouses or the zoo parking lot
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (the well area is always accessible; cafes/shops typically open 10:00 AM–10:00 PM)
• Admission: Free (public historic site)
• Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5–3 hours (easily combined with Hupao, Manjuelong, or Longjing Village for a full-day itinerary)
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or weekday afternoons—avoid weekend crowds and enjoy serene mountain air

🌟Highlights & Experiences

1.A 1,300-Year-Old Well – Living History

• Designated as a Hangzhou Municipal Cultural Heritage Site, the well is about 7 meters deep, with crystal-clear, sweet-tasting spring water—still occasionally used by locals to brew tea.
• An explanatory stele beside the well recounts its role from the Tang to Qing dynasties as a vital water source for villagers, pilgrims, and monks.
• Fun fact: The four “eyes” reflect ancient ingenuity—maximizing efficiency while safeguarding water quality.

2.Mountain Aesthetics – Boutique Stays & Cafés

• Dozens of design-led guesthouses cascade down the hillside, including favorites like Xi Shang · Hupao, The Hill House, and Manju Retreat, blending Jiangnan courtyard style with contemporary comfort.
• Specialty coffee culture thrives here:
  • Ramble Coffee: Mountain-view terrace, expert hand-brews, and photogenic desserts;
  • LAKU Coffee: Hidden down a bamboo-lined path, minimalist Japanese-inspired vibe;
  • Qing Café: A local favorite—cozy, affordable, and community-oriented.
• No loud bars—just peaceful, slow-paced mountain living.

3.Authentic Hangzhou Cuisine – Hidden in the Hills

• Charen Village (Tea People Village): The neighborhood’s culinary anchor, serving classics like Longjing Shrimp, Dongpo Pork, and Sister Song’s Fish Soup—reservations recommended.
• Guiyu Shanfang: Upscale modern Hangzhou fare in a stunning garden setting (higher price point, unforgettable experience).
• Xiao Yin Canteen / Zhiweiguan Weizhuang: Great for family-style meals with genuine local flavors.

4.Gateway to Nature & Hiking Trails

• Siyanjing is the starting point for several beloved walking routes:
  • → Hupao Dream Spring (15 mins): Visit the Li Shutong (Hong Yi Master) Memorial Hall and hear the famed “Third Best Spring Under Heaven”;
  • → Manjuelong (20 mins): Famous for osmanthus blooms in autumn, dotted with tea houses and farm-to-table eateries;
  • → Longjing Village (40-min uphill hike): Walk through emerald tea plantations to the birthplace of Dragon Well Tea.

🚌How to Get There

• Bus: Take routes 4, 31, 87, 315, or 334 to “Siyanjing Stop”—you’ll see the well right by the road.
• Taxi/Driving: Navigate to “Siyanjing” or “Siyanjing Bus Station.” Limited parking available (busy on weekends/holidays).
• Cycling: Scenic ride along Hupao Road—but be prepared for steep slopes!

💡Practical Tips

• 👟 Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes: Stone steps and slopes are common; paths can be slippery after rain.
• ☕ Visit cafés off-peak: Popular spots get crowded on weekend afternoons—go early or try lesser-known gems.
• 📸 Best photo spots:
  • The well itself (best in soft morning light, fewer people);
  • Guesthouse terraces overlooking the valley;
  • The bend on Hupao Road with layered views of white walls, green trees, and distant hills.
• 🍵 Don’t miss: Buy a pack of Mingqian Longjing tea (look for origin labels like “Shi, Long, Yun, Hu, Mei”) and brew it with mountain spring water back at your stay.
• 🚫 Please respect: The well is a protected relic—do not throw coins, climb on it, or drop anything inside.

🗺️Recommended Combined Itineraries

• Culture & Nature Loop: Siyanjing → Hupao Park → Jiuxi Stream (Nine Creeks) → Longjing Village
• Leisure & Food Trail: Siyanjing (coffee + lunch) → Manjuelong (osmanthus cake & tea) → Yangmeiling (hidden historic village)
• Urban Escape Day: From downtown → Stay overnight in Siyanjing → Sunrise hike up Nangao Peak