Weekend hiking: from Nine Streams and Eighteen Gorges to Zhijiang Campus

It has been a year since I began my study and life at Zhejiang University. After a busy week of classes and work, what we look forward to most is always the weekend. Usually, we invite friends, find a park or scenic spot, go hiking, chat, and relax. It’s the best time for us to recharge our minds and restore our energy. So, in the second week of the autumn semester, my friends and I embarked on an unforgettable hiking trip—from Nine Streams and Eighteen Gorges (Jiuxi Shiba Jian) to Zhijiang Campus.

Just like our previous hikes, the natural scenery was breathtaking: tall trees, lush greenery, and vibrant life everywhere. However, Nine Streams and Eighteen Gorges stands out for its rich historical background. Since ancient times, its beauty has captivated countless scholars and poets, and it is now recognized as one of the new Ten Scenic Spots of West Lake. As we climbed the mountains, passing one sparkling stream after another and strolling through fragrant Longjing tea gardens, the sweet scent of osmanthus filled the air. Surrounded by such beauty, our hearts felt light and content—we were completely enchanted and reluctant to leave.

At the end of our hike, we arrived at Zhejiang University’s Zhijiang Campus. The campus buildings are built along the mountains, arranged in a harmonious and picturesque manner that blends perfectly with the West Lake scenery and the Qiantang River landscape. We were especially fond of the red-brick buildings, such as the Main Building, Shensi Hall, the Upper Red Room, and the Lower Red Room. Their distinctive Western architectural style not only gives them great artistic value but also reflects the rich history of modern education in China. 

To me, hiking is not just a form of physical exercise—it’s also a kind of spiritual therapy. Talking with friends, sharing life experiences, and relieving stress together are what make these outings meaningful. After all, it’s not about where you go, but who you go with. I’ll always remember this hiking trip and the joy it brought. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy life!