Yunqi Bamboo Trail – step into the martial arts world of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and experience Hangzhou's coolest summer retreat.

Walk on the cool stone paths, listen to the breeze rustling through the bamboo leaves, take a deep breath of fresh air, and feel all your stress melt away.

This is one of the filming locations for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. The most popular photo spot is Huilong Pavilion, where a window perfectly frames a lush green bamboo scene like a natural picture frame—snap a shot and it looks like a film poster. Across from the entrance, there's also the trendy “Lonely Tree” standing alone in a tea garden, another great photo opportunity.

Yunqi Bamboo Trail was already one of the “Eighteen Scenes of West Lake” in the Qing Dynasty and was later named the top of the “New Ten Scenes of West Lake.” It boasts the densest ancient tree grove in Hangzhou, with 120 ancient trees of 17 species, including four over a thousand years old—the oldest, a sweetgum tree, has lived for over 1,040 years and is so massive that three people together cannot wrap their arms around it. Emperor Kangxi visited four times, and Emperor Qianlong came six times; the royal blue-stone imperial path they walked still remains in the scenic area today.

In summer, stepping into the bamboo forest feels at least 5°C cooler than outside. Overhead, layers of bamboo leaves and ancient tree canopies block out most sunlight, with only scattered specks of light filtering through to the ground. Tall, straight bamboo stands on both sides; when the wind blows, the leaves rustle, and in the deep quiet, you hear nothing but the wind and birdsong. The negative oxygen ion concentration here exceeds 3,000 per cubic centimetre year-round, earning it the name “natural oxygen bar.” A small stream runs alongside the path, with clear water trickling musically through the rocks—walking along and listening, you feel your body and mind grow still.

The entire route is paved with stone and takes about 1 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace—just wandering through the bamboo grove, breathing in the fresh air, and cooling down completely. In summer, elsewhere in Hangzhou can be unbearably hot, but here you need not worry—it is a one-stop destination for escaping the heat, taking photos, and finding peace of mind. When you visit Hangzhou, do not just join the crowds by West Lake—step into Yunqi Bamboo Trail for a truly refreshing summer getaway.