Moganshan is a mountain top tourist region near Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. It is a good weekend retreat from Shanghai, as it is only a 2.5 to 3 hour drive south-west. It is busiest in July and August, when the weather in the cities and valleys below is much hotter. It is also very nice in the shoulder periods when the cooler weather makes for more pleasant hiking. This contributor has also visited after heavy snowfall in February. The mountain sells half price tickets in the winter, since it is less popular to visit. You can either drive or hike to the summit along the foot paths through the bamboo. In winter it can be lonely and beautiful, well worth the effort.
By Car: The most convenient way is by private car, about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Shanghai.
By Bus: There is a direct 4 hour bus from Shanghai which leaves 3 times in the morning from the Old North Bus Station.
By Train: You can take the high speed train to Deqing, which is the closest high speed train station to Moganshan (approximately 20 km away). You can take a taxi from Deqing to Moganshan or alternatively take the No. 113 bus from Deqing to Moganshan.
Alternatively, You can take the high speed train to Hangzhou, and take a taxi or bus from there.
There are a small number of direct trains from Shanghai to Deqing but most travelers would transfer at Hangzhou East Railway Station to the train bound for Deqing.
If travelling from Nanjing, you can get a high speed train direct from Nanjing South Railway Station to Deqing.
From Hangzhou: take bus K588 (fare: ¥12, exact change) from the council bus stop on the road outside Hangzhou North Bus Station (杭州汽车北站). Buses run every half hour (approx.) from 07:00 to 19:30. Disembark at Wukang (武康) a.k.a. Deqing (德清), and switch to a van or taxi (about ¥100) to your final destination in Monganshan. It may be convenient to book a car from your hotel as the cost is similar to a taxi, but your driver is guaranteed to know the correct destination.
The tourist area on top of the mountain is relatively small; there are numerous meandering footpaths that pass by bamboo forests, tea fields, and old stone houses.
There is a nice park with walking trails at the very top of the mountain. Half way up is the center of the quaint village, made mainly of stone houses, many of which were built in the early 1900s. Below the village is a series of pools and waterfalls that go down a steep canyon. You will need your Moganshan entry ticket to go all the way in.
Known for a relaxing time, you can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views, be at one with the forest, read a book, go for a hike, sit in a hammock, or try some delicious local beer and cuisine.
Moganshan beer is quite good, and comes in an attractive bottle.
The villages boast many small and inexpensive guest houses that offer nice rooms with en suite and full board if required. The non-Chinese speaker will find communication difficult, but be brave, use the "phone a friend" system and it will be OK. The multi-story homes with large signs are usually guest houses.
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