01 / Getting into the mountains
A few days with someone who knew the roads.
For this part of the trip, we hired a driver and shared the itinerary we wanted to follow.
It made the mountain stops easier for us to organise. One of the nicest benefits was having someone who could suggest places to eat along the way.
02 / Mountain air
Day 4: up to Hehuanshan.
Our first hike in this chapter was Hehuanshan Main Peak. This is where the trip moved from city stops into mountain views.
A short panorama of mountain ridges and clouds from the Hehuanshan hike.
My original notes focus on the experience rather than trail statistics. The distance, timing, and route details will come from the trip records before this becomes a practical hiking guide.
03 / A slower day
Day 5: Cingjing at a gentler pace.
The next day was for Cingjing Farm and the Skywalk. We gave this part its own day rather than trying to fit everything around the Hehuanshan hike.
04 / From forest to water
Day 6: a forest stop, then the lake.
We visited Xitou Nature Education Area and did a few shorter nature walks before continuing to Sun Moon Lake.
Our driver left us at the lake, where we spent the night relaxing and exploring in the evening. After a few days of moving between places, it was a chance to pause.
05 / Sun Moon Lake
Out on the lake, up to the pagoda.
A few more frames from Sun Moon Lake: the water from the cruise, Ci’en Pagoda, and the view across the lake.
06 / On the map
The mountain-and-lake chapter.
A few places that make up this chapter. Pick a place on the map or in the list to explore.
Approximate locations for this design preview. Scroll the page freely; use + / − to zoom the map. Map tiles need an internet connection.
07 / Practical notes