Dongbai Mountain Hiking and Camping Guide – You'll Regret Missing It for a Whole Year!

🏃‍♂️ Outdoor enthusiasts! Today, I’m sharing a hidden gem at the border of Shaoxing and Jinhua in Zhejiang—Dongbai Mountain! I did my homework before going, and after this firsthand exploration, I must share the details with you all! At Dongbai Mountain, I experienced the perfect blend of hiking and camping. 🌿 🍀 Dongbai Mountain is unbelievably beautiful! The vibrant greenery dazzles the eyes, and the mountain streams murmur like a soft song. Every snapshot captures a "Shaoxing version of Nalati" fairy-tale scene—every frame is a painting! 🌄 **Highlights of Dongbai Mountain:** Here, you’ll find not only the legendary thousand-year-old King Azalea but also winding streams, endless grasslands, and serene bamboo forests. The wind turbines at the summit spin amidst the mist, while the terraced green tea fields add layers of charm. The sunrise at dawn and the sunset at dusk are utterly romantic. The lush leaves and grass are still tender and vibrant 🌿, making it the perfect time for photos! 📍 **Location:** It’s situated at the border of Shaoxing and Jinhua in Zhejiang—a geographically unique spot. 🚗 **Transportation Guide:** * **By High-Speed Rail:** Take the train to Zhuji Station, then a taxi to the starting point, Liaozhai Village (about a 1-hour ride). For the return trip, check the bus schedule—the last bus from Liaozhai Village departs at 16:50. Don’t miss it, or you might end up "staying overnight" in the mountains! 😆 * **By Car:** Navigate directly to Liaozhai Village. If you’re coming from Shanghai, expect a 3+ hour drive with scenic views along the way. 🗺️ **Recommended Hiking and Camping Routes:** * **Day Trip (Light Pack):** Search for the "Dongbai Mountain Loop"—a 13km round trip with 900m+ elevation gain. Fit hikers can complete it in a day and enjoy the thrill of traversing forests. 📷* **Half-Day Photo Route:** You can drive close to the summit—navigate to "A Tui’s Shop" and hike the remaining 100m to the peak. Many opt to drive up for sunrise or sunset views before heading back. 🌸* **In-Depth Experience (Highly Recommended!):** Camping! It’s the essence of Dongbai Mountain (bring your gear or rent a tent at the summit). Stargazing from your tent, waking up to the first rays of sunlight, and falling asleep to the glow of sunset—pure magic! 🌅 🏕 **Campsite Details:** The summit has a spacious platform perfect for camping, and the nearby grasslands are also great for pitching tents. 🌷 Tents are available for rent at the summit, fully equipped for convenience. A friendly heads-up: winds can be strong, and spots near the turbines might be noisy at night—choose your site wisely. 💦 **Water Supply Info:** * Streams run along the ridge, so water is plentiful—no need to worry. * Vending machines and a small shop are near the summit. * About 100m downhill, there’s a row of stalls. Just carry enough water for the hike—no need to overpack. 🗺 **Trail Conditions:** Starting at 200m elevation, the hike begins with stone steps. Around 700m, you’ll pass Longmen Top, a small settlement with a few houses 🏡. Heads up! The famous thousand-year-old King Azalea is just ahead of Longmen Top—easy to miss, so keep an eye out! ✨ Further up, you’ll traverse forests into open ridges, then climb 100m to the summit. ⛰ The peak has tea fields and turbines. Beyond lies a meadow, greener and more enchanting than anywhere else. The descent follows a different valley—no steps, just manageable wild paths. Along the way, waterfalls, streams, blooming azaleas, wisteria, and wild chrysanthemums abound. At Dongbai Mountain, you’ll truly feel "spring in full bloom" 🌱. 👣 The hike and camping are quite safe, with no extremely rugged sections, but the elevation gain demands decent fitness. Recommended for those with some outdoor experience. ❓ **Pre-Trip Tips:** 1. **Time Management:** Allow ~3 hours each for ascent and descent. Plan wisely to avoid hiking in the dark. Some valley sections have no phone signal ⚠️—inform family or bring a power bank. 2. **Clothing:** The ridge is windy, and the summit is much colder. Pack a thick jacket or windbreaker, regardless of season. 3. **Rain Alert:** Post-rain, streams swell—what’s usually a rock-hop may require wading (in icy water!). 🥶 👕 **Lightweight Camping Gear Checklist:** Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, headlamp (essential!), portable stove, gas canister, raincoat, warm layers, trekking poles (knee-savers!), hiking boots, and a spacious backpack. That’s the ultimate Dongbai Mountain hiking and camping guide! Hope it helps your adventure. 🙆‍♀️ Grab your outdoor buddies and embrace Dongbai’s wild beauty—nature’s gift awaits! 😊