The best dog friendly hikes in Shaoxing
Shaoxing boasts breathtaking scenery that will captivate any nature lover. With countless off-the-beaten-path hiking trails and stunning mountains stretching as far as the eye can see, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the picturesque landscapes, checkout our guide of where to stay for charming guesthouses surrounded by lush tea fields. Join us as we uncover the natural wonders that make Shaoxing a must-visit destination!
Snowflake Pool 雪花潭景区
If you’re looking for a fantastic dog-friendly adventure, look no further than 雪花潭景区 in Shangyu County, Shaoxing Province. This waterfall hike is an absolute gem, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and accessibility.
Trail Overview
The hike is beginner-friendly, featuring paved paths and some stairs, but the majority of the terrain is flat, making it easy for all fitness levels to enjoy. While there are a few waterfalls that require a bit of climbing to access, these are entirely optional. You’ll find plenty of stunning waterfalls to swim in without having to venture off the main path. The path is also well marked with lots of signage in both English and Chinese.
Scenic Beauty
We chose to hike up along the road, which allowed us to discover numerous waterfalls along the way. The experience of swimming in these refreshing spots was simply delightful. Some areas were shallow, perfect for a leisurely dip, while others offered deeper pools ideal for a more invigorating swim.
Dog- Friendly Environment
The paths were great for our dogs to explore and play, adding to the overall enjoyment of the hike. They had plenty of opportunities to splash around and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Timing and Crowds
We visited in May, which was perfect—there were very few people around, allowing us to fully appreciate the serene environment. However, it’s worth noting that from June to September, the area can get quite crowded due to summer visitors.
Accessibility
Parking is conveniently located just outside the trailhead, making it easy to access the hike. There are two routes to choose from: one follows the river, while the other takes you up. We opted for the upward path and were rewarded with breathtaking views.
Overall, 雪花潭景区 is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day in nature with their furry friends. The combination of beautiful waterfalls, easy trails, and a serene atmosphere makes it a perfect escape. Just remember to plan your visit outside the peak summer months for the best experience!
Hanfei River Ancient Path
韩妃江徒步攻略
The Hanfei River Ancient Trail, often referred to as “The Wizard of Oz” of Shaoxing, is a captivating journey through stunning natural landscapes. This loop trail covers approximately 10 kilometers and offers a unique experience, showcasing the region’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. Hikers can enjoy the complete loop or choose to explore its various sections separately, making it accessible for all levels of adventurers.
Loop route will be:
Xiaozhou Village
Shimenkeng Village Baotou Boots (Rock view) Baiyan Village Xiaozhou Village
下洲小村➡️石门坑村➡️倒脱靴➡️白岩村➡️下洲小村
For those not needing a loop here are some of my favourite locations all along the way.
Xia Zhou Village
下洲小村
The first stop on the trail is Xia Zhou Village, where you can enjoy a flat and beautiful hike along the river. This section features scenic mountain views that create a picturesque backdrop for your adventure.
Dog-Friendly Spot
One of the highlights here is the opportunity for dogs to play in the river. There are designated areas where they can splash around, but be cautious, as the current can be strong in some places. We stopped near a charming wooden bridge to let our dogs enjoy the water, and it proved to be a perfect spot for both relaxation and fun.
Easy walk to Shimenkeng village
The path from Xia Zhou Village to Shimenkeng Village is an easy and pleasant walk, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. This section of the trail is ideal for families and casual hikers, providing a gentle introduction to the wonders of the Hanfei River Ancient Trail.
Shi Men keng Cun
石门 坑 村
The walking in Shi Men Keng Village is very easy and flat, making it a delightful continuation of your adventure on the Hanfei River Ancient Trail. One notable feature here is a stone called 《归去来兮辞》的石刻 with traditional writing carved into it.
Terrain
The path along the river is mainly flat, with only the occasional stairs, making it accessible for all. There is a detour that takes you up a set of stairs to a clearing with a stunning view—an ideal spot for a picnic lunch. We took our time there, soaking in the scenery before heading back down to continue our walk along the river.
Walking toward Baiyan Village
As you leave Shi Men Keng Village, the trail begins to incline with some stairs leading towards Bai Yan Village. This transition adds a bit of variety to the hike and sets the stage for more beautiful experiences ahead.
Baiyan Village
白岩村
As you walk toward Baiyan Village, you’ll pass through the stunning Shimeng Canyon. This area is known for its impressive high rock cliffs and, depending on the water levels, a lovely waterfall that enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Climbing to Baiyan Village
From Shimeng Canyon, the trail leads you up a series of stairs until you reach Baiyan Village. This section provides a bit of a workout, but the views make it worthwhile. Once you arrive at the village, you’ll find convenient bathrooms available near the road.
Photo Opportunity at Baotou Boots
Along the way, be sure to stop at 倒脱靴 (Baotou Boots), a popular photo spot. Here, you’ll find a rock formation that resembles an inverted boot, making for a fun and memorable picture opportunity.
After capturing some photos, continue up the stairs until you reach the road. From this point, you can follow the road until you find the next path that leads back to Xia Zhou Village, completing a beautiful loop of the Hanfei River Ancient Trail.
Closing SoonAnshan Ancient Trail
The Anshan Ancient Path is a popular day hike that many travel companies offer from Shanghai, thanks to its stunning beauty and accessibility. This relatively easy trail features mostly flat terrain, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Water Access
Along the way, there are spots to cool off in the water. However, keep in mind that water levels depend on the time of year; during our visit in early June, the river was quite dry.
Dog-Friendly Environment
The path is very dog-friendly, and we saw numerous dogs happily exploring with their owners. Just be aware that this area can get crowded, especially by the river, with many people and off-leash dogs. For those with reactive dogs, it may be wise to consider other options to ensure a pleasant experience.
