Meijiawu Village is located on both sides of Meiling Road in the western hinterland of the West Lake Scenic Area, about 10 kilometers away from Hangzhou city. It is one of the main production areas for Longjing tea. Surrounded by green mountains, the village offers a panoramic view of lush tea plants, and the fragrance of tea leaves is refreshing. Taking a walk here and breathing the fresh air is a wonderful experience.
Nowadays, almost every household in Meijiawu Village relies on tea cultivation and sales for their livelihood. Tea farms and tea societies can be seen everywhere in the village, along with numerous agritourism establishments. Due to its proximity to Hangzhou city, many tourists from the surrounding area often invite friends to drive here on weekends to taste authentic Longjing tea and enjoy local farmhouse cuisine. For those interested, they can also play a few rounds of mahjong, which is very pleasant.
If you visit Meijiawu during the tea picking season in March and April, you will see the busy figures of tea farmers in the fields. This is the time for harvesting and processing new tea. Those interested can even experience the process of tea picking and tea making firsthand. If you come in April and May, you can taste the newly marketed Longjing tea. Especially around the Qingming holiday, many tourists from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai flock here. In fact, avoiding the holiday crowds and enjoying the tranquility is a wise choice.Meijiawu is not just renowned for its exquisite Longjing tea; it also boasts cultural landmarks such as the Ligeng Hall. This ancient residence, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, features the calligraphic work “Ligeng Hall” by Zhang Zhao, the same artist who inscribed “The Record of Yueyang Tower” within the Yueyang Tower itself. Today, Ligeng Hall serves as an antique tea society and a restaurant, offering visitors a taste of history and hospitality.
For those inclined towards nature, a hike up the mountain is a must. The path on the east side of the southern end of Meijiawu leads to the ‘Yunqi Bamboo Path’, the filming location for the iconic movie ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. This scenic route provides a breathtaking view of the West Lake’s beauty.
Meijiawu is open to visitors throughout the year, with accessibility around the clock. Here are some essential tips for your visit:
1. To avoid the crowds, especially during weekends and holidays, it’s advisable to plan your visit on weekdays. The influx of tourists, many of whom travel by car, can make parking a challenge.
2. Meijiawu’s location is convenient for exploring other attractions. A 10-minute drive along Meiling Road to the north takes you to the serene Lingyin Temple, while a 5-minute journey to the south leads to the tranquil Yunqi Bamboo Path, both of which are well-known destinations.
Plan your trip wisely to make the most of your time in Meijiawu and its surrounding areas.
