Zhuan Shui Wu Golden Nine Trail Loop Hike: A Secret Adventure Amidst Lakes and Mountains (Part 2)

—Traverse the poetic landscapes of Jiangnan and unlock the secrets of this hidden gem. 📌 Route Highlights at a Glance 1⃣ Natural Wonders ▫ Kingdom of Chinese Star Jasmine: Millennial vines intertwine, touch the scales of ancient stems and feel the pulse of life. ▫ Checkerboard Rock: A 3.2-meter natural rock formation, with moss patterns resembling Mayan totems, explore this geological marvel. 2⃣ Lakeside and Mountain Scenery ▫ Beili Lake Wetland: Peak season for redwood reflections in November, the Yuntao Bridge offers a glimpse of paradise. ▫ Du Qu Yun Chao (Du Qu Cloud Nest): Overlook the surging sea of clouds from the bird's nest viewing platform, capture the vastness of heaven and earth with a wide-angle lens. 3⃣ Ancient Charm and Culture ▫ Xijian Caotang (West Stream Cottage): A replica of an ancient academy showcasing calligraphy and painting, with winter plum blossoms blooming in the cold. ▫ Century-old Bayberry Grove: In early summer, red fruits adorn the branches, and the emerald canopy provides shade from the summer heat. 4⃣ A Feast of Light and Shadow ▫ Jilong Chuyang (Chicken Cage Sunrise): Capture the sunrise over the sea of clouds from atop a giant rock. A tripod and non-slip shoes are essential. ▫ Wing On Pavilion Sunset: Golden light bathes the mountain ridge, a landscape painting unfolds. 5⃣ Artistic Encounters ▫ Zhejiang Contemporary Oil Painting Academy: Glass curtain walls reflect bamboo shadows, the art bookstore houses commemorative stamps. ▫ Yixian City Ruins: Trace the legends of ancient Go players and touch the remnants of history. 🚶 8-Stage In-depth Hiking Guide Distance: 9km | Duration: 3-4 hrs | Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ ▶ Stage 1: Zhuan Shui Wu Visitor Center → Golden Nine Trail Entrance • Path: Village road, paved, watch out for dogs. • Tips: 🦟 Apply mosquito repellent (mosquitoes are prevalent in the Chinese Star Jasmine area). 🥾 Wear non-slip shoes (many sections of the trail are gravel). ▶ Stage 2: Golden Nine Trail → Wing On Pavilion • Highlight: Panoramic view of Juyuan Reservoir from the ridge line. • Check-in Point: ⛳ Wing On Pavilion stone table (inscribed with Daoguang era inscriptions, perfect for rest and replenishment). ▶ Stage 3: Wing On Pavilion → Dongqiao Exit (Core Section) • Must-sees: 🌿 Kingdom of Chinese Star Jasmine: Gently touch the scales of old stems, avoid touching the delicate aerial roots (ecologically sensitive area). 🎐 Wumen Yudi (Fisherman's Flute at the Witch's Gate): Overlook the reservoir from the ridge, imagine the poetic scene of a fisherman playing the flute. ☀ Jilong Chuyang: Capture the sea of clouds from atop the giant rock (exercise caution on sunrise/rainy days, the rock can be slippery). ▶ Stage 4: Dongqiao → Beili Lake Wetland (Waterfront Boardwalk) • Wetland Activities: 🌊 Peak season for redwood reflections in November (wear waterproof shoes). 🦆 Spot wild ducks in the reed marshes (capture the action with a telephoto lens). ▶ Stage 5: Road → Xijian Caotang (Shaded Ancient Village) • Recommendations: ☕ "Loquat Ripened" Coffee Shop: Osmanthus latte + courtyard relaxation. 🌳 Ancient Bayberry Grove: In early summer, the red fruits resemble agate, and the canopy is like an emerald umbrella (touch gently, do not pick). ▶ Stage 6: Caotang → Zhejiang Contemporary Oil Painting Academy (Art Journey) • Highlights: 🖼 Xijian Caotang: Replica of an ancient academy exhibition, winter plum blossoms in bloom. 🏛 Oil Painting Academy: Glass curtain walls reflect the bamboo forest, collect commemorative stamps at the art bookstore (cultural and creative souvenirs). ▶ Stage 7: Yixian City → Wing On Pavilion (Ruins + Sunset) • Explore: 🪨 Checkerboard Rock: A 3.2-meter natural checkerboard, moss patterns resemble Mayan codes. 🪶 Du Qu Yuntao (Du Qu Cloud Waves): Capture the cloud waves from the bird's nest viewing platform (wide-angle lens + dusk light). ▶ Stage 8: Wing On Pavilion → Zhuan Shui Wu (Return Journey) • Note: 🗑 Check your gear, take your trash with you (practice Leave No Trace principles). 📸 Capture the sunset glow over Juyuan Reservoir on your way back. ⚠ Safety and Environmental Tips 1⃣ Prioritize non-slip footwear: The giant rock at Jilong Chuyang can be slippery, it is recommended to bypass it on rainy days. 2⃣ Ecologically sensitive area: Do not touch the delicate aerial roots in the Kingdom of Chinese Star Jasmine, climbing is prohibited. 3⃣ Rainy season preparedness: Wear waterproof hiking gear in the wetland area, be cautious of slippery boardwalks. 4⃣ Road etiquette: Walk counterclockwise on the inner side, yield to vehicles. 🌸 Hidden Gems 🔭 Stargazing: Lie down and watch the Milky Way on a clear night at Pao Ma Shi (bring a moisture-proof mat). 🎣 Wetland fishing: Designated fishing area near Yuntao Bridge (bring your own fishing gear, night fishing is prohibited). 🍵 Traditional tea making: Book a tea picking experience from April to May (register 3 days in advance). 📅 Best Hiking Seasons • March-May: Fresh green Chinese Star Jasmine vines, early blooming bayberry blossoms. • November: Colorful redwood forests in the wetlands. • Year-round: Wing On Pavilion sea of clouds, art exhibitions at the Oil Painting Academy are available throughout the year. 🎒 Equipment Checklist ✅ Essential: Non-slip hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, sun hat, 1.5L of water. ✅ Bonus: Tripod (for capturing the sea of clouds/starry sky), wide-angle lens, trekking poles. ✅ Eco-friendly: Trash bag, reusable tableware (avoid disposable items). 📸 Trail Experience Summary This loop trail is a three-dimensional poem of Jiangnan—a sea of vines, cloud waves, ancient plum blossoms, and Checkerboard Rock, every step is a rhythmic beat of nature. From millennial vines to ink-wash clouds, from the fragrance of the academy to exploring ancient ruins, bring your curiosity and embark on a dialogue with this hidden gem that transcends time.