Moganshan 莫干山

During the lockdown, all travellers were dreaming about travelling again and exploring new places. We did not know when it would be possible again and how it would be, but that moment finally arrived. Even if there are a lot of inspections , especially if you are a foreigner, but, after all this time locked at home we are able again to discover new places, so don’t let the check influence your mind.

If you would like to take a break from the city, 莫干山is the perfect place to visit during this period. At only 60 km from Hangzhou, you can enjoy the breath-taking view from the different scenic areas and get lost in its great number of different paths or in the amazing bamboo forest. 

莫干山 is well-known spot for many reasons. Beyond the shadow of a doubt is famous for its impressive view and scenic spots, but it does not end here. Walking along the paths, hiking, and exploring the area, you can see a lot of stone old houses, villas, and a western style castle.

In the early ‘900s many people from Shanghai, at only 200 km of distance, went there regularly to find peace and take a break from the frenetic and stressful life of the bustling city. Because of that, many of them built beautiful villas with amazing views. Not only people from上海 went there, between all the buildings there is one of the residences of Mao Zedong, now empty and not that easy to find, they say he only spent the time for an afternoon nap there. 

One of the characteristics of this place is the presence of a stunning castle constructed in western style. The edifice is named “Naked Castle”, built on 1910 by the Scottish missionary Dr Duncan May during his 45 years spent in China. “Born as a place to rediscover the pure, playful and passionate side of your heart, to immerse in nature and nurture friendship, love and the simple pleasures of life.”  Years later it became opened to more people until now, being fancy hotel where you could celebrate weddings or other ceremonies. If you want you and you are brave enough, you can swim in the infinity pool, made of glass, on the side of a cliff. To reach this amazing castle from the place where you arrive with the little bus there’s a path called “100 steps path”, it does not look that difficult until, only later, you can read the truth, the steps are more than 400! Of course, you could choose to take the normal way, following the street or taking a little car, but it will not be the same, adventures could always make you discover many beautiful things.

This mountain is really crowded in summer, especially when in the little town at the foot of the mountain the temperature reaches crazy peaks. In that situation many people from the little town will go up, to the top of mountain, to find fresh air and, maybe, relax sitting on a hammock, looking at the amazing landscape. 

During the winter, for the reason why tourists are less and because hiking in the snow is not easy and not even that comfortable, the ticket is sold at half price.

The way to reach this beautiful place got a bit more complicated because of the covid-19 situation. From Hangzhou you can choose if go by 高铁 and reach it in fifteen minutes, or the slow train and have a journey that lasts around one hour. Once arrived in the little town you will be able to find information about how to reach the famous spot by public transportation, the problem is that the main bus that should bring you to the entrance, and back, is not working. The only way to get there spending a reasonable time, is to call a cab. You will find many taxi drivers ready to take you to the entrance gate for a modest price. Once arrived the entrance you can pay the ticket that includes the ride on the little bus to reach the touristic spot and come back, both ways. The other option is to hike and avoid taking the little bus, but it could take a long time and a lot of energy.

The suggested time to visit this touristic place is more than one day, because the journey to reach it takes a long time, and the spot closes at 5 pm, so you risk to not have enough time to see all what you planned to visit. if you would like to save even more time and enjoy the beauty of the mountain also at night, there are a lot of little hotels along the paths, all of them offering an amazing view. 

What are you waiting for? It is time to go!