Jiuxi 18 Arhats (九溪十八涧) Travel Guide
Nov 11, 2024
by orient china travel
Jiuxi 18 Arhats (Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies) Travel Guide for Foreigners
General Information
- Location: Jiuxi 18 Arhats is located within the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China. It is a beautiful and serene natural landscape hidden among the mountains3.
- Origin and Name: The area gets its name from the fact that there are numerous meandering creeks and numerous small gullies here. The number "nine" and "eighteen" are not exact figures but rather used to imply a large number of creeks and gullies1.
Highlights and Attractions
- Natural Landscapes:
- Winding Creeks: The creeks in Jiuxi 18 Arhats are crystal clear, flowing through the valleys and between the mountains. The water is cool and refreshing, and you can often see small fish swimming in the water. Along the creeks, there are various sizes of rocks, and the water flows over them, creating beautiful splashes and sounds3.
- Lush Vegetation: The area is surrounded by lush mountains and forests. There are tall trees, dense bamboo groves, and various kinds of plants, which make the air here extremely fresh. In spring and summer, the greenery is vibrant, and in autumn, the leaves turn into various colors, presenting a magnificent view.
- Historical and Cultural Sites:
- Lian'an Temple: Inside the scenic area, there is the ancient Lian'an Temple. It has a long history and unique architecture, which adds a touch of cultural charm to this natural landscape. The temple is a quiet place for people to rest and feel the tranquility of Buddhism.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Jiuxi 18 Arhats is from spring to autumn. In spring, the flowers are in full bloom, and the scenery is very beautiful. Summer is a good time to enjoy the coolness brought by the creeks and escape the heat. Autumn is the season when the leaves change colors, creating a colorful and picturesque landscape5.
The best time to visit Jiuxi 18 Arhats is from spring to autumn. In spring, the flowers are in full bloom, and the scenery is very beautiful. Summer is a good time to enjoy the coolness brought by the creeks and escape the heat. Autumn is the season when the leaves change colors, creating a colorful and picturesque landscape5.
How to Get There
- By Public Transportation: You can take a bus to the "Jiuxi" stop. There are several bus routes that pass by here, so you can check the local bus information for details.
- By Taxi or Private Car: If you are traveling by taxi or driving your own car, you can use a navigation app to find the way. There are parking areas available near the scenic area.
Food and Beverage
- Tea: Hangzhou is famous for its tea, especially Longjing tea. Near Jiuxi 18 Arhats, there are many tea plantations. You can taste the fresh and fragrant Longjing tea in the local tea houses, experiencing the unique charm of Chinese tea culture.
- Local Snacks: There are also various local snacks such as lotus root starch, glutinous rice cakes, and fried dough sticks. These snacks are delicious and can satisfy your taste buds.
Tips
- Clothing and Footwear: It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking along the creeks and mountain paths. Also, bring appropriate clothing according to the season to keep warm or protect from the sun3.
- Environmental Protection: Please respect the natural environment and do not litter. Protecting the ecological environment is everyone's responsibility.
- Safety Precautions: When walking along the creeks, be careful not to slip. Especially in some areas where the water flow is relatively fast or the stones are slippery, pay attention to your safety.