[2025 Cixi Attraction] Travel Guide for Kaolao Mountain (Updated Apr)

Ningbo's Little Rio | Complete Guide to Hiking Taolao Mountain At the southern end of Shanglin Lake in Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang, lies a hidden gem called Taolao Mountain, known as "Ningbo's Little Rio." With its stunning mountains, waters, and thundering waterfalls, it's the perfect escape from city life and an ideal spot to connect with nature. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Taolao Mountain won't disappoint. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you discover the unique charm of this remarkable mountain. I. Preparation 1. Hiking gear: Anti-slip hiking shoes (trails are rugged and some sections are slippery), trekking poles (to reduce knee pressure and assist climbing), backpack (for carrying items), quick-dry clothing (for comfort after sweating). 2. Sun and mosquito protection: High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, sun protection clothing, insect repellent (mosquitoes are common in the mountains). 3. Food and water: Adequate water (at least 1 - 2L, limited supply points on the mountain), energy snacks (such as chocolate, beef jerky, bread for energy replenishment). 4. Other items: Power bank (keep phone charged for navigation and photos), tissues, garbage bags (protect the environment, take trash with you), first aid kit if possible. II. Transportation Guide 1. By car: Navigate to "Taolao Mountain Scenic Area," parking available at Shanglin Lake parking lot (20 yuan per vehicle), free parking nearby when not crowded. 2. By bus: From Ningbo city, take Cixi bus routes 203 or 205 to [Youyuan Station]; or take rural bus 226 to Taolao Mountain stop, then walk to the trailhead. III. Admission Information Taolao Mountain Scenic Area is currently free to enter, enjoy nature's gifts without ticket costs. IV. Opening Hours 09:00 - 16:00, plan your trip accordingly and start descending before 4pm for safety. V. Recommended Hiking Routes 1. Reverse Mini Loop (suitable for beginners and families): About 4.48km total, 378m elevation gain, takes about 3 hours. - Start from Shanglin Lake parking lot in the scenic area, face the pavilion and take the trail on the left. - Follow the trail, pass the waterfall, reach concrete steps, find a ribbon-decorated path on the left of the steps, follow it to the summit. - Continue along the path to the peak for panoramic views of Shanglin Lake. - Face away from Shanglin Lake, descend toward the right front, pass a rocky slope and continue down. - At the small pavilion, take the right path, continue at the three-way intersection, return to the waterfall area, then descend to the starting point. This route offers summit views and waterside fun, with a shorter distance. 2. Classic Loop (scenic rich, suitable for experienced hikers): 8 - 9km total, takes 4 - 5 hours. - Navigate to Baiyang Waterfall parking lot, start here to reach Baiyang Waterfall, follow the stream upward to experience the harmony of mountains and water. - Pass rest stations, bamboo groves, unique rocks, and admire nature's artistry. - Reach the summit marked by a red flag - perfect photo spot overlooking Shanglin Lake, feeling like you're in "Ningbo's Little Rio." - Descend via the ancient Taolao trail to complete the loop. This route offers rich scenery and experiences like stream crossing and bamboo forest traversing, but some sections are steep - exercise caution. VI. Scenic Spots 1. Taolao Waterfall: Along the hiking trail, you'll hear the roar before seeing the magnificent waterfall cascading down like a white ribbon, creating a misty, ethereal atmosphere. 2. Summit Observatory: From the peak, enjoy panoramic views of Shanglin Lake's emerald waters, scattered islands, and rolling mountains. 3. Chessboard Rock: Legend says two star gods played chess here during the Three Kingdoms period. The uniquely shaped rock resembles a chessboard, adding mystery to the mountain. 4. Celestial Tea Growing Area: Wild tea grows on the waterfall ridge, home to the famous ancient "Celestial Tea." Young buds emerge around Qingming Festival, though picking isn't allowed, you can still enjoy the tea fragrance. VII. Nearby Attractions 1. Shanglin Lake Yue Kiln Site: Close to Taolao Mountain, this birthplace of Yue celadon is a major cultural relic protection site. View ancient kiln sites and celadon fragments to experience millennium-old pottery heritage. 2. Minghe Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old water town with Jiangnan charm. Try local delicacies like stinky tofu, rice cake dumplings, and mochi while enjoying the town's tranquility. 3. Yangmei Picking Gardens (during season): Many yangmei orchards near Taolao Mountain offer fruit-picking experiences during June-July harvest season. Note: heavy traffic during peak season. VIII. Important Notes 1. Safety first: Download hiking routes in advance as some areas lack phone signal; hike with companions; avoid remote paths alone; seek shelter during bad weather like heavy rain or fog. 2. Environmental protection: Don't litter, keep the scenic area clean for sustainable beauty. 3. Protection against mosquitoes and heat: Bring heat stroke medication and mosquito repellent in summer; stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. 4. Respect local customs: Be mindful of local traditions and customs while touring the area. Taolao Mountain's natural beauty and cultural charm await your exploration. Pack your bag and set foot on this magical land for an intimate encounter with nature!

In the northwest of the bustling city of Ningbo, there is a paradise for hikers - Cixi Taoluo Mountain. Here, the green mountains and clear waters on the shore of Hangzhou Bay are like a natural landscape garden painting. This year, I had the honor to set foot on it and experience this route, which is considered to be the most beautiful spring hiking route in Ningbo. **Exploring the lake: a 12-kilometer mountain and water journey starting from Duao Village Taoluo Mountain is gently surrounded by Shanglin Lake, Baiyang Lake, Waidu Lake and Lidu Lake. The hiking route I recommend starts from the quiet Du'ao Village and follows a 12-kilometer loop, giving you a panoramic view of the lake, mountains and cultural relics. In one day, you can immerse yourself in the charm of Cixi's mountains and rivers. **Scenery along the way: Eight exclusive views, surprises at every step** 1. **Dingshui Zen Temple**: An ancient temple by the Lidu Lake, shaded by bamboo forests, mysterious and peaceful. The stone carvings of Yu Shinan’s hometown in the temple are a highlight of the cultural relic protection unit. 2. **Stone carvings at Yuan Shao’s Tomb**: The Southern Song Dynasty stone carvings hidden deep in the bamboo forest are mysterious and the well-preserved stone statues of military commanders are breathtaking. 3. **Breathing oxygen in the forest**: The mechanized farming road in the pine forest has fresh air. Hiking here feels like being in a natural oxygen bar. 4. **Sea of ​​Sassafras Flowers**: The sea of ​​Sassafras flowers all over the mountains is gorgeous and dazzling, adding infinite vitality to the hiking trip. 5. **Top of the Mountain Observation Deck**: Climb up and take in the view of Shanglin Lake and the Cixi city skyline. It is known as the "Rio de Janeiro of Ningbo". 6. **Songfeng Valley Waterfall**: The waterfall, stone arch bridge and stream interweave into a healing natural painting that makes people linger. 7. **Stream Ancient Trail**: The 5-kilometer stream ancient trail has clear streams and scattered waterfalls. The waterfalls on the Guawuling Ancient Trail and the strange rocks complement each other, making it a great place to play in the water in summer. 8. **Du'ao Village**: Ancient trees, temples, stone carvings... The ancient village of Du'ao exudes a strong sense of fireworks and tells stories of a long history. 🚙**Self-driving navigation**: Dingshui Temple in Du'ao Village, Cixi City, Ningbo City has more than a dozen free parking spaces for self-driving tourists. 🚶**Hiking route**: 11.55 kilometers, 663 meters of climbing, expected to take 4-6 hours. Please refer to track #8748328 to plan the best route. 🚌**Public transportation**: Transfer to Cixi Bus No. 206/You 1 at Cixi Longshan Terminal to Shiqiutou Station, then transfer to Cixi Bus No. 311 to Xibutou Station, and finally walk 1.1 kilometers to arrive. **Special Tip**: The starting point of this route is located in Duao Village, aiming to avoid the congestion of people and vehicles at Shanglin Lake. The route is suitable for advanced and immersive hiking with children. You can enjoy the sea of ​​rhododendrons in April and pick delicious bayberries in June. Come and experience the most beautiful spring hiking route in Ningbo Beishan!

Kaolao Mountain is located at the southern end of Shanglin Lake in Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. There is a peculiar mountain with an altitude of 424 meters, covered with green trees and roaring waterfalls in the ravines, which is Kaolao Mountain (also known as Xianju Mountain). However, the origin of the name Kaolao Mountain is unknown, and understanding it literally is just a glimpse of the whole picture. The name Kaolao has its significance, as ancient poets said, 'To complete the embroidery, one must go to the spring garden, to attract the orioles to the willow branches.' It means that the embroidery girl uses her skillful hands to create exquisite works to attract the orioles. Yet, every hill and water, every stone and tree on Kaolao Mountain is the natural craftsmanship of nature, without any trace of artificial carving, just like its name, primitive and simple. The mountain is divided into east and west peaks, called East Kaolao Mountain and West Kaolao Mountain, respectively. On a clear day, when you climb to the top of East Kaolao Mountain, you will see the full view of Shanglin Lake, with the surrounding Cuiping Mountain peaks stretching and sprawling at your feet, giving a sense of overlooking all the other mountains. Between the two peaks, there is a valley, and at the bottom of the valley, the stream is rapid; this is Kaolao Creek.