Nine Creeks in Misty Forest

Updated April 6, 2026

Nine Creeks in Misty Forest is a highly acclaimed tourist attraction located in Hangzhou, China. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, it stands out as one of the top-rated tourist attractions in the area.

Location

You can find Nine Creeks in Misty Forest at Xihu, Hangzhou, China, 310002.

Visiting Nine Creeks in Misty Forest

Located in Hangzhou, China, Nine Creeks in Misty Forest is a tourist attraction that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

The tourist attraction is located at Xihu, Hangzhou, China, 310002. GPS coordinates: 30.202960, 120.120121. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

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Tucked away in the western hills of Hangzhou’s West Lake area, Nine Creeks in Misty Forest is the kind of spot that makes you forget you’re anywhere near a city. You get to wade through crystal-clear mountain streams surrounded by wild bamboo groves and endless tea fields.

This free scenic area stretches out for about 5.5 kilometers, tracing a Y-shaped tangle of creeks that meet under mossy, forested slopes. After a good rain, mist drifts down and lingers, giving the place that dreamy, poetic vibe you’ve probably heard about.

Unlike the packed crowds around the lake, the valley here is chill—locals wander in with their kids, everyone splashing around in ankle-deep water when the weather’s warm.

The beauty’s not staged for tourists. You’ll stroll shaded trails beside streams that wind through nine old villages, past tea fields where farmers still hand-pick Longjing leaves.

After rain, fog slides down from Bajue Mountain and wraps the trees in a haze. That’s when you get why Nine Creeks landed on West Lake’s “top ten sceneries” list.

Autumn is ridiculous—those red and yellow maples against the tea terraces are straight out of a painting. If you’re into photography, or just like a good walk, this is the time to come.

Key Takeaways

• Nine Creeks in Misty Forest is a free, 5.5-kilometer valley with streams, tea fields, and forest trails tucked near West Lake.
• Three different entrances with varying difficulty give you options, all leading to the central convergence area.
• Best after rainfall for that signature mist, or in autumn if you’re chasing foliage and photos.

About Nine Creeks in Misty Forest

West of West Lake, this spot gets its name from all those mountain streams weaving through tea plantations and forested valleys before they eventually empty into the Qiantang River.

History and Significance

The “nine” in Nine Creeks isn’t literal—ancient Chinese loved using numbers for poetic effect. Nine just meant “a lot.” Same deal when locals talk about the “eighteen streams.”

You’ll find the area tucked beneath Chicken Crown Hill (Jiguanlong), and it’s been part of West Lake’s classic scenic lineup for ages. The streams start from Lion Peak near Longjing and Yangmei Ridge on Wengjia Mountain, picking up water from nine named tributaries: Qingwan, Hongfa, Tangjia, Xiaokang, Foshi, Baizhang, Yunqi, Qingtou, and Fangjia.

After a rain, mist spills down from Bajue Mountain and cloaks the forest canopy. That’s the “misty forest” effect—photographers are obsessed with it, honestly.

What Makes It Special

You’ve got about 5.5 kilometers of walking paths lined with tea fields and dense trees. The Y-shape means you can pick your own adventure, with three entrances depending on how ambitious you’re feeling.

What makes Nine Creeks different? It’s hands-on. In summer, families (and, let’s be real, plenty of adults) wade right into the streams. The water stays cool, perfect for escaping Hangzhou’s sticky heat.

The main hub, called “In the Creek” (Jiuxi), is where you’ll find most of the action. There’s a big stone carved with “九溪烟树”—everyone stops for a photo here. Li’an Temple is tucked away nearby, and after rain, you can find little waterfalls. Oh, and it’s free, open all day and night, though hiking at night might not be the move.

What to See and Do

The Y-shaped valley is packed with things to check out, whether you’re splashing in the streams or snapping that must-have photo at the stone inscription. Most folks spend about three hours here, but if you linger at a teahouse, it’s easy to lose track of time.

Main Attractions and Highlights

Everything sort of centers around “In the Creek,” where the streams meet up. That stone with “九溪烟树” carved into it? It’s basically the unofficial logo of the place.

But honestly, the real draw is just wandering beside the clear water, under a ceiling of trees, with tea fields rolling away on either side.

Li’an Temple is a quiet little spot if you need a breather from all the walking. After rain, the waterfalls come alive, and Bajue Mountain gets wrapped in that classic mist.

Kids love getting their feet wet in the streams, and honestly, so do most grown-ups. The water’s cold even in July, which is a lifesaver during Hangzhou’s muggy summers.

The whole stretch is shaded—don’t bother lugging sunscreen unless you’re really paranoid.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn’s the showstopper. Maple leaves turn fire-red and gold, popping against the green tea terraces. It’s almost unfair how good it looks in photos.

Spring’s great too—tea fields are lush, and the streams are full from the rain. If you want that “misty forest” magic, come right after a storm. The fog is unreal, but yeah, the trails get muddy. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Weekday mornings are peaceful. Weekends? Not so much—locals and tour groups fill the main trails. The park’s technically open 24 hours, but daylight is obviously better for, well, seeing things and not tripping over rocks.

Summer afternoons are crowded, especially with families escaping the city heat in the streams.

Visitor Information

Nine Creeks in Misty Forest is open 24/7, and it’s totally free—kind of wild, considering how pretty it is. Getting there takes a little planning, since there are a few different entrances, but it’s worth it.

Location and How to Get There

You’ll find Nine Creeks in Misty Forest on the west side of West Lake, tucked beneath Chicken Crown Hill in Hangzhou’s Xihu District. The whole thing runs about 5.5 kilometers, with a Y-shaped layout and three main entrances.

Easiest way in? Hop on bus No. 87 to Yangmeiling stop, which drops you at the upper right corner. From there, just head downhill and you’re in.

Coming from downtown? A taxi down Zhijiang Road works, and you’ll pass landmarks like Six Harmonies Pagoda and Zhejiang University’s Zhijiang Campus along the way.

Three entrances give you options. The lower entrance on Jiuxi Road is the most popular—public transport drops you close by. Longjing Village marks the upper left entrance, while Yangmei Ridge (near Manlongguiyu) is the upper right. The main meeting point, “In the Creek,” has parking, but fair warning: those narrow roads jam up fast on weekends and holidays.

Tips for Visitors

If you’re aiming to dodge the crowds at Nine Creeks in Misty Forest, set your alarm and get there early—seriously, sunrise is magic here. Weekends and sunny days attract whole families who sprawl out along the creek, so weekdays are your best bet for peace and quiet.

The creek itself is only ankle-deep, just right for a quick splash. Don’t forget sandals or at least water shoes if you’re planning to wade in; those stones can be slippery.

Shaded trails wind through the forest, and honestly, it always feels a few degrees cooler under that thick canopy. On a hot Hangzhou summer day, you’ll be grateful for every bit of shade.

One thing to keep in mind: all that tree cover means the light drops off fast in the afternoon. If you’re hoping for those misty, ethereal photos, aim for midday when the sun’s high—or, if you’re lucky and it’s just rained, you’ll catch that legendary fog curling around Bajue Mountain. It’s a scene straight out of a painting.

Most folks take the easy, flat path from Jiuxi Road to In the Creek. It’s paved and popular, so expect company. If you want something quieter, start from Longjing Village and take the stone path—fewer people, more birdsong.

The Yangmei Ridge route is a different beast: it’s exposed, uphill, and honestly a bit of a workout. Save that one for a cool, crisp day unless you’re feeling adventurous.

Bring snacks and plenty of water; once you’re on the trails, there’s not much in the way of facilities. That said, if you’re near Longjing Village, you’ll spot a few cozy teahouses where you can catch your breath and sip something local.