Early Winter Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Hiking Guide｜3 Selected Routes + Gear List + Pitfall Tips

In early winter, the mountains and forests of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai shed their lush green, blending into layers of golden yellow, crimson, and dark green. Mist weaves through the valleys, making every step of your hike a limited-edition healing experience. As a hiking enthusiast, I have personally tested these 3 routes that combine scenery and practicality. Both beginners and veterans can find their favorites. Save this guide to avoid pitfalls on your early winter hikes! 🌄 Route 1: Daming Mountain, Zhejiang — An Early Winter Feast of Red Rock Sea of Clouds Difficulty: ★★☆ (Intermediate, suitable for those with some hiking experience) Length: About 8 km (loop, takes 5-6 hours) Highlights: The rust-red of the Red Rock Gorge is especially vivid in early winter. The cliffside plank walk feels like strolling in the clouds. If lucky, you might encounter the rare sight of rime and sea of clouds together. - Hiking Highlights - "Cliffside Plank Walk": Built on a hundred-meter cliff, overlooking the Red Rock Gorge. When early winter mist swirls, it feels like a fairyland trail. - "Mingfei Seven Peaks": Seven connected peaks with sparse early winter vegetation, making the ridgeline clearly visible and highly photogenic. - "Ten-Thousand-Meter Cave": A natural karst cave converted into a passage, warm in winter and cool in summer, perfect for a rest during the hike. - Practical Tips - Transportation: Take a bus from Hangzhou West Bus Station to Daming Mountain Scenic Area (about 2 hours), or drive directly to "Daming Mountain Scenic Area Parking Lot." - Gear: Windproof and warm shell jacket + fleece liner, mid-to-high hiking boots (the Red Rock section is steep, so anti-slip is key), trekking poles (to reduce knee pressure), sunglasses (to protect against glare from snow and sea of clouds). - Tips: Start hiking before 8 AM to avoid crowds and increase chances of seeing the sea of clouds; after the hike, try the free-range chicken hotpot at "Daming Mountain Homestay Village"—a perfect replenishment, costing about 50+ RMB per person and very filling. 🏔️ Route 2: Yushan, Jiangsu — A Light Hiking Secret Near the Ancient City Difficulty: ★☆ (Beginner-friendly) Length: About 6 km (circular route, takes 3-4 hours) Highlights: Starting from the ancient city wall base, pass through Jianmen’s strange rocks, tea fields, and ancient temples. A blend of culture and nature, with delicious Changshu cuisine to enjoy after the hike. - Hiking Highlights - "Jianmen Scenic Area": The rock walls look like they were cut by swords and axes. During the dry early winter, you can see the dramatic "One Line Sky" crevice. Vines with withered leaves hang on the rock walls, giving a martial arts movie vibe. - "Xingfu Temple": A thousand-year-old temple where you can stop for a hot tea and try the vegetarian "Mushroom Oil Noodles," fresh and warming. - "Yushan Tea Garden": Tea trees still show green in early winter. Morning mist drifts through the tea fields, offering a slow-paced experience beyond city walks. - Practical Tips - Transportation: Take high-speed rail from Suzhou/Shanghai to Changshu Station, then a 15-minute taxi to "Yushan Park Entrance"; or drive and navigate to "Yushan Jianmen Scenic Area Parking Lot." - Gear: Lightweight hiking shoes (the route is gentle), windbreaker (it’s windy at the summit), backpack (just water and camera). - Tips: The route can be adjusted to a loop: "Xingfu Temple → Jianmen → Yushan City Wall → Yushan Park," with no steep slopes; don’t miss the mushroom oil noodles at Xingfu Temple, with a rich broth, paired with vegetarian roast goose—lunch for about 20+ RMB per person. 🌿 Route 3: Moganshan (near Shanghai) — Early Winter Stroll in European-Style Mountains and Woods Difficulty: ★★ (Intermediate, some steep sections) Length: About 7 km (Dakeng Scenic Area loop, takes 4-5 hours) Highlights: The bamboo sea shows a deep green in early winter, contrasting with the red tiles and yellow walls of Republic of China-era villas. Along the hike, you can overlook the layered mountains of the entire Moganshan. - Hiking Highlights - "Dakeng Scenic Area": Bamboo forest trails weave through the bamboo sea. Listen to the wind rustling through the bamboo. Early winter sees fewer tourists, making it very peaceful. - "Republic of China Villas": At the hike’s end, visit villas once lived in by Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling. The vintage architecture is perfect for photos. - "Jianchi Viewing Platform": Overlooks the whole Moganshan panorama. On clear early winter days, distant villages and forests create a painting-like scene. - Practical Tips - Transportation: About 2.5 hours driving from Shanghai to "Moganshan Scenic Area Parking Lot"; or take high-speed rail to Huzhou Station, then a 1-hour taxi ride. - Gear: Waterproof hiking boots (bamboo paths can be slippery), shell jacket (windproof), backpack (carry water and snacks, few supply points on the mountain). - Tips: Recommended to stay at a mid-mountain homestay like "Yun’an Mountain Residence" (excellent views). Check trail conditions with the host before hiking. After the hike, visit "Yucun Cultural Market" for artsy shops and a coffee to recharge. 🎒 Early Winter Hiking Gear List (Essentials) Essential Gear: Clothing: Shell jacket (windproof and waterproof), fleece jacket (warm), quick-dry base layer (moisture-wicking) Hiking gloves (scratch protection), knee pads (knee protection) Footwear: Mid-to-high hiking boots (anti-slip and durable), gaiters (if encountering frost or snow) Accessories: Trekking poles (reduce knee pressure), backpack (20-30L), headlamp (for long routes or early/late hikes) Others: Thermos (for hot water!), trash bags (environmental must-have), sunglasses (strong light protection), sunscreen (UV rays still strong in early winter) ⚠️ General Precautions 1. Weather Planning: Early winter in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai is often foggy. Check "real-time visibility of scenic spots" before setting out. In heavy fog, some viewpoints may have no visibility, so adjust routes flexibly. 2. Safety First: Beginners should not attempt routes beyond their ability; consider joining local hiking groups first. Download offline maps in advance as mountain signals can be unstable. 3. Eco-Friendly Hiking: Follow the LNT (Leave No Trace) principle—take all trash with you, do not damage vegetation or feed wildlife. 4. Time Management: Early winter nights fall early (around 5 PM). Plan enough time to descend before dark to avoid hiking in the dark. The early winter mountains and forests of Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai hide many healing moments: the rustling sound of crushed fallen leaves, the wind sighing through the bamboo sea, the faint incense drifting from ancient temples... Choose a route and set off, measuring this limited-time romance step by step~ Do you have any secret hiking routes in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai? Share them with me in the comments~