Meiling Tunnel Trail梅灵隧道
The Meiling Tunnel trail is one of Hangzhou's classic country walks, about 8 km from Lingyin Road near Lingyin Temple to Meijiawu village. It passes the Meiling Tunnel (the tunnel section shares a public road — take care) and threads through plum groves, tea gardens and quiet forest, with clean air throughout — a favourite weekend workout for Hangzhou locals.
Hangzhou · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Meiling Tunnel Trail worth visiting?
A classic Hangzhou hiking route linking Lingyin with Meijiawu by way of the Meiling Tunnel — about 8 km of quiet woodland and fine tea-terrace scenery.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free admission |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Recommended duration | About 3-5 hours (depending on pace and stops) |
| Best time to visit | Best in spring (plum blossom in February-March); autumn's cool weather is also ideal; summer is pleasantly cool |
| How to get there | Start — bus 7 or 324 to Lingyin stop. Finish — Meijiawu is served by bus 1314; or taxi to the start and walk back the same way |
| English signage | No |
| Wheelchair accessible | No |
| Route length | About 8 km |
| Elevation gain | About 200 m |
| Difficulty | Beginner to intermediate |
| Type | Hill trail (some sections on public road) |
| Best seasons | Spring (plum blossom), autumn (hiking) |
What to expect
The Meiling Tunnel trail is a classic peri-urban hike linking the Lingyin area with the tea village of Meijiawu, named for the Meiling Tunnel it passes. The route mixes hill paths and tea-terrace lanes, with some stretches on a public road (construction vehicles use the Lingyin to Meijiawu section — take care). Forest runs thick along the way and the air is famously clean — a rare lung-cleansing escape this close to the city.
This hillside has long been Longjing tea country. Meijiawu village is one of the core producers of West Lake Longjing, and Premier Zhou Enlai visited its tea gardens several times. The terraces along the trail are still worked today — in spring you will see pickers at it — and stretches of the old flagstone path survive near the tunnel.
Practical notes: wear proper hiking shoes or trainers and carry plenty of water (1.5-2 litres for the whole route) plus simple snacks. Mind the sun and mosquitoes in summer and wrap up in winter. Mobile signal is patchy, so download an offline map first. Some sections are steep — poles ease the strain on the knees. At the finish, Meijiawu's farm restaurants and tea houses make a fine place to eat and taste.
How to get there
Start — bus 7 or 324 to Lingyin stop, then walk about 1 km up Lingyin Road into the hills to the trailhead. Finish at Meijiawu — bus 1314 (the popular "love route") stops there. A taxi from Hangzhou East station to Lingyin is about CNY 30 and 30 minutes.
Best photo spots
- The Meijiawu tea terraces (Longjing fields)
- The Meiling Tunnel entrance (mind the traffic)
- The pine-forest stretch with dappled light
- The old tree at Meijiawu village entrance
- The tea-garden viewing platform over the terraces
Tips
- Avoid hiking after rain — the paths are slick and dangerous; stay out of the hills in downpours
- From the Lingyin end, continue along the road past the scenic-area gate for about 800 m; turn left at the Meiling Tunnel sign onto the trail
- At the Meijiawu end, Zhiweiguan No. 2 and several farm restaurants serve lunch — a bit pricier than town but fair
- Carry rain gear in spring; mountain weather shifts fast
- Short on stamina? Bus to Meijiawu and hike back toward Lingyin — the route becomes downhill
Scams to avoid
- No official fee exists on this trail — anyone demanding a toll is a fraud; refuse, turn back, or call the police
- Some Meijiawu tea houses inflate prices; confirm prices before ordering
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Meiling Tunnel hike take?
Lingyin to Meijiawu is about 8 km — 3-4 hours of walking, or 4-5 with photo stops. Fitter walkers go faster.
Can you walk through the tunnel?
The Meiling Tunnel is a road tunnel with no footpath. Hikers use the hillside path beside it, or share the road with extreme care — locals carry reflective vests to stay visible.
Is the route waymarked?
Signage is patchy and some junctions have no markers. Download offline tracks from a hiking app such as Liangbulu before you set out.
Are there supply points on the way?
Meijiawu village has farm restaurants and tea houses, and there are small shops near the Lingyin trailhead — but nothing en route. Carry enough water and food.
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