"Best Place for Hiking and Fresh Air in Hangzhou?"
Wushan Scenic Area Unveils Three Wellness Routes
Yesterday, the Wushan Scenic Area in Hangzhou launched a wellness culture tour experience, organizing three health-focused hiking routes for citizens to explore.
The first route is the Premium Wellness Tour, taking in Wushan Grand View – Zhouxin Shrine – Ancient Trees Platform – the third floor of the City God Pavilion – Temple of the Medicine King.
Visitors can ring the auspicious bell for free at Zhouxin Shrine; watch tai chi performances by masters on the Ancient Trees Platform at the City God Pavilion; learn simple tai chi exercises under their guidance; enjoy morning tea and special wellness dim sum in the teahouse on the third floor of the City God Pavilion after exercising; and pay homage to Shennong at the Temple of the Medicine King to pray for good health.
The second route is the Cultural Wellness Tour: Twelve Zodiac Stones – Qingyi Cave – Ruan Gong Shrine – Flower-Appreciation Rock – Cliff Inscriptions at Ruishi Ancient Cave – Water-Splashing Guanyin – Site of the Sanmao Shrine – Wushan’s First Peak – Twelve Zodiac Stones.
This route connects various cultural sites within the Wushan Scenic Area under the theme of “wellness.” Through on-site tours and guided explanations, it showcases the unique charm of traditional wellness culture, including the Chinese meridian clock theory, Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist wellness philosophies, Southern Song Neo-Confucian wellness teachings, as well as the health concepts of Ruan Yuan, Su Dongpo, and Yu Qian, and China’s longevity culture. It allows visitors to learn historical knowledge and gain insights into wellness traditions during their visit.
The third route is the Hiking and Fresh Air Tour: Twelve Zodiac Stones – Back Gate of Daguantai on Ziyang Mountain Road – Fork between Huiguan Pavilion and Sanmao Shrine – Lakes and Rivers Huiguan Pavilion – Sanmao Shrine – Site of Wangwang Temple – Back Gate of Daguantai on Ziyang Mountain Road – Twelve Zodiac Stones.
This route follows the scenic area’s healthy hiking trail system, primarily developed in 2012, and passes by a negative oxygen ion monitoring station. Negative oxygen ions, known as "air vitamins," can effectively promote metabolism, boost immune function, stimulate the cerebral cortex, uplift mood, and refresh the spirit. With lush vegetation and high concentrations of negative oxygen ions in the air, along with gently sloping terrain, Wushan is the top choice for Hangzhou’s “hiking and fresh air” experiences.