Embark on a serene spring escape to a bamboo forest in Hangzhou in 2025.

With the vibrant Tulip Show in full swing at Hangzhou's Prince Bay Park, it's no exaggeration to say it has drawn in seemingly half of Hangzhou's population! Visitors wander among 400,000 tulips, a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, pinks, and more, blooming across the lawns and reflected in the shimmering spring waters. It's a scene straight out of a fairytale, dreamy and beautiful! So, the question arises: after experiencing the tulip spectacle at Prince Bay Park, where to next? I recommend a trip to Hangzhou's "Spring Bamboo Sea." It's currently tranquil and uncrowded, with breathtaking beauty at every turn. I'm referring to the Yunqi Bamboo Trail, a veritable "bamboo sea" and one of the "New Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake." Historically, the Yunqi Bamboo Trail traces its origins back to 967 AD, during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, when the King of Wuyue established Yunqi Temple. Later destroyed by flash floods, the temple was revived during the Ming Dynasty by Master Lianchi, a renowned monk of the Pure Land School. Yunqi Temple was restored to its former glory as a prominent Buddhist site, and the surrounding hillsides became a magnificent spectacle of verdant bamboo. By the Qing Dynasty, during the Yongzheng era, Yunqi Temple remained a secluded sanctuary, its chanting resonating with the natural rhythms of the surroundings, offering visitors a sense of tranquility and enlightenment. In modern times, the Yunqi Bamboo Trail is celebrated for its bamboo, featuring highlights such as wooden walkways, the Xixin Pavilion, the Yunqi Bamboo Trail Stele Pavilion, a suspension bridge, the Huilong Pavilion, the Twin Stele Pavilion, the Douyun Pavilion, the Yuyu Pavilion, the Miyun Pavilion, the Huangzhu Pavilion, and the Imperial Road. It's a rare haven of peace and healing in Hangzhou. In the spring of 2025, compared to the lively and colorful Prince Bay Park, the Yunqi Bamboo Trail offers a more serene and restorative experience. Walking through the ancient forest, one feels a sense of spiritual cleansing. In the mild weather, the deep bamboo shadows create a tranquil atmosphere, complemented by walkways, pavilions, bamboo groves, and tea fields, evoking a sense of ancient charm. Interestingly, the ancient trees in spring appear even more vibrant, each one a "green giant," some standing tall and reaching for the sky, others with winding branches like coiling dragons. Each tree possesses a unique posture, as if showcasing its resilience through the passage of time. The gentle breeze rustles through the leaves, whispering ancient melodies. A closer look reveals the mottled bark, like a history book etched by time, recording the rise and fall of dynasties and the joys and sorrows of humanity. Breathe in the fresh air and feel the tranquility and strength emanating from these ancient trees. While some may admire the vibrant but ephemeral tulips, others appreciate the enduring evergreen trees. They are not merely plants but witnesses to history and bearers of culture. In our fast-paced modern lives, let us pause and engage in a dialogue with these ancient trees at the Yunqi Bamboo Trail, embracing a different kind of spring appreciation. For first-time visitors, I recommend the following route: Sanju Pavilion - Yunqi Archway - Yunqi Bamboo Trail Scenic Area West Gate - Xixin Pavilion - Wooden Walkway - Suspension Bridge - Yuyu Pavilion - Miyun Pavilion - Huangzhu Pavilion - Master Lianchi's Tomb - Douyun Pavilion - Imperial Road - Twin Stele Pavilion - Huilong Pavilion - Yunqi Bamboo Trail Stele Pavilion - Xixin Pavilion - Yunqi Bamboo Trail Scenic Area West Gate - Yunqi Archway - Sanju Pavilion. Every step of this hike offers breathtaking beauty, with highlights like the Xixin Pavilion, the Wooden Walkway, the Huangzhu Pavilion, and the Imperial Road. For those with more stamina, there's a hiking trail from the Douyun Pavilion leading up to Zhenji Temple. One path connects to the "Ten Mile Gallery" and Longjing Village, while another leads to the "Nine Creeks and Eighteen Ravines," both offering excellent exercise opportunities. By the end of this journey, those seeking tranquility will find solace. Spring brings a deeper green to this "bamboo sea" and uplifts the spirits. The uncrowded atmosphere adds to the healing experience. Practical information for Yunqi Bamboo Trail, Hangzhou: Entrance fee: 8 yuan (free with Hangzhou Park Card). Opening hours: 07:00-17:00. Location: Meiling South Road, West Lake District, Hangzhou. Public transport: Take bus routes 103, 121, 324M (working day route), 324M (weekend/holiday route), or 1314 to the Yunqi Bamboo Trail stop. For self-drive or chartered vehicles, navigate to "Yunqi Bamboo Trail Scenic Area - Ground Parking Lot." So, are you intrigued by Hangzhou's Yunqi Bamboo Trail? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!