Longmen Ancient Trail Hiking Route
Longmen Ancient Trail is located in Longmen Ancient Town, the hometown of Sun Quan in Fuyang, Zhejiang. The highest point of the ancient trail is Xingmeijian, with an altitude of 1068 meters. There are three entrance routes up the mountain: Houmushan Entrance, Yongan Villa Entrance, and Yaowu Entrance.
This time, starting the climb from Yaowu, the entrance is a mountain stream drifting amusement park. In mid-spring, with the spring chill still lingering, it was still closed for business. Perhaps due to continuous rain, the stream water was abundant, clear, and very cold. Walking along the stream-side footpath to the drifting park ticket office, crossing the stream from the overpass, you can follow the signs to go up the mountain along the ancient trail.
From Yaowu to Xingmeijian, it can be roughly divided into three sections. Yaowu to Longmen Waterfall: This section is between two mountain canyons, with deep gorges, dense forests, and rushing water. The sound of the flowing water is like ten thousand galloping horses; you have to raise your voice a few decibels to be heard clearly. Longmen Waterfall has a drop of 100 meters, cascading straight down from the top of the mountain, like a white silk hanging in front of the river. Longmen Waterfall to Xingmeiwu Reservoir: The initial section is on the cliff on one side of the valley, with steps built by predecessors, which is not difficult to walk. Climbing up the cliff is a gentle slope planted with a tea garden. Walking further is Xingmeiwu Reservoir. The forest protection station by the reservoir is a good place for hikers to rest. From Xingmeiwu Reservoir to Xingmeijian, it starts with a wild road along the stream. Although not steep, it is quite muddy. Reaching the top of the mountain and passing a mountain ridge to the left is Xingmeijian.
Unlike the neatly paved hiking trails in downtown Hangzhou, the Longmen Ancient Trail is a path worn by many feet, without deliberate stone paving or steps. Some parts are muddy dirt roads, some are ridges in tea gardens, and others are reservoir dams. Occasionally, when crossing a canyon, you walk over stone arch bridges built unknown years ago. Walking on such mountain roads adds a bit of wild fun and is less tiring. Although there are no special sceneries along the entire road, the natural wildness makes it suitable for both hiking challenges and leisurely strolls.
The one-way distance from Yaowu to Xingmeijian is about 8.8 kilometers, and the round trip is 17.6 kilometers. Normal hiking takes 6 hours. There are no shops on the mountain, so you need to bring enough water and food supplies yourself. The propaganda board on the top of the mountain says that there are clouded leopards, pangolins, small civets, porcupines, five-step snakes, etc., in Longmen Mountain. There are also very few people on the entire mountain road, so pay attention to safety.
Published at: Mar 19, 2021 · Modified at: Jan 14, 2026
