12.4 Xixi Valley Roaming Trail 5km Hike｜Route + Photo Spots + Tips

A subway-accessible hiking loop combining ancient paths and wilderness, quickly switching from city to nature. 🗺️ Route Overview · Route: Shuangkoujing → Baoxian Fanyin → Songjing Feixia → Beauty Mountain → Taoyuan Ridge → Botanical Garden Back Gate (P2) · Distance and Duration: About 5 kilometers, approximately 2.5 hours hiking (including photo breaks) · Key Tips: The first part of the route is flat and friendly, the latter part has a stone path challenge (15 minutes), adjustable based on your stamina. 🚇 Transportation · Start: Take Metro Line 3 to Gudang Station Exit B, turn left and walk straight for about 5 minutes, the entrance is marked by the "Shuangkoujing" sign. · End: Botanical Garden 🚶‍♀️ Segment Description 1️⃣ Shuangkoujing → Songjing Feixia (Flat stroll, suitable for all) · Road Condition: Mostly wide and flat stone slab paths, no steps · Experience: Shaded by greenery, pleasant autumn colors. Suitable for walking, running, cycling, families with children, elderly, or pet owners for an easy stroll. Multiple rest benches and viewing platforms along the way · Photo Spots: Xixi Valley starting sign, bluestone path with red and yellow autumn leaves, red maple ancient pavilion (P3-P7) 2️⃣ Songjing Feixia → Beauty Mountain (Stone steps ascent, panoramic views) · Road Condition: From the stone gate at "Songjing Feixia," the path turns into orderly upward stone steps, noticeable climb but well maintained · Experience: Reach the Beauty Mountain viewing platform with a broad view, overlooking Xixi Wetland and city skyline · Photo Spots: Sunlight filtering through trees creating dreamy light and shadow (P8-P10) 3️⃣ Beauty Mountain → Taoyuan Ridge → End (Downhill gravel path, a bit uncomfortable on feet) · Road Condition: Descend from the right side of the viewing platform, P12 is a great spot for sunbathing. The downhill path to Taoyuan Ridge is gravel, uneven surface, walk carefully; a dirt path beside it is also available; this section is not suitable for strollers, elderly and children should be extra cautious of slipping. Less foot traffic, quiet and serene · End Scenery: From Taoyuan Ridge downhill, a well-maintained stone step path, about 10 minutes walk to the Botanical Garden back gate. Inside the garden, redwoods and autumn colors are beautiful (P15), perfect for tea, lying on the lawn, or daydreaming · Photo Spots: Light and shadow among the trees near Taoyuan Ridge (P13-P14). 💡 Tips ✅ Free, subway accessible, clear route signs ✅ Experience three landscapes in one route: flat trail, stone step climb, and wild dirt path ✅ Self-service water refill points and multiple restrooms along the way, very convenient ❗️ Wear non-slip hiking shoes or sneakers to handle the gravel downhill ❗️ Winter in shaded forest areas feels cold, recommend wearing an extra warm layer ❗️ For families with children or elderly with limited stamina, it is recommended to only explore the first flat section and return the same way back