If you’re looking for a place in Hangzhou where nature, legend, and tea culture come together in perfect harmony, this Hupao Spring Travel Guide is for you. Nestled beneath the quiet slopes of Daci Mountain, Hupao Spring—also known as Dreaming of Tiger Spring at Hupao Valley—feels like stepping into an old Chinese painting. Gentle bamboo, ancient waters, and whispered stories guide your way. Come walk with me into this green and timeless dream.
1. How to Get to Hupao Spring (Tiger Spring)
Getting to Tiger Spring is easier than you’d expect—and surprisingly beautiful. Officially, it’s at No. 39 Hupao Road, Xihu District, Hangzhou. Cradled by Daci Mountain to the west and the Qiantang River to the east, it feels like a jade gem tucked between peaks.
From downtown Hangzhou, I took Metro Line 4 to Shuichengqiao Station (水澄桥站). After exiting from Exit B, I walked north along Hupao Road. It took about 15 minutes. But honestly? That walk was part of the magic. Towering French sycamores lined the way. In spring and summer, their green canopies ripple in the breeze. In autumn, golden leaves carpet the road.
Several buses also stop at Tiger Spring, including routes 4, 197, and 315.
Coming from Liuhe Pagoda? It’s just 1.7 km away. I hopped on Bus 4 and arrived in five minutes. Easy, quiet, and scenic—just the way I like it.
2. The Legends and Lives Behind Tiger Spring
Every time I visit Hupao Spring, I feel like I’ve stepped into a living legend.
The name Tiger Spring comes from a story that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. A monk named Xingkong once meditated here, struggling without a source of water. One night, he dreamed of a divine message: “Two tigers will bring a spring from Mount Heng.” The next day, he saw two tigers digging at the earth. A clear spring burst forth. That’s how Dreaming of Tiger Spring was born.
Today, you’ll still find a stone sculpture of those tigers. Water flows beneath them, soft and constant—as if their dream never ended.
Tea Sage Lu Yu (茶圣陆羽) once ranked this water the third-best spring in China. Even Emperor Qianlong (乾隆皇帝) visited three times, penning a poem to praise its taste. The water, filtered through quartz sandstone, is so pure and dense, coins can float on the surface.
Then, there are the people. Ji Gong (济公), the beloved “crazy monk,” once lived here. So did Master Hongyi (Li Shutong) 弘一法师（李叔同）, who gave up a life of fame to seek silence. His calligraphy and personal items remain, echoing his quiet wisdom: “Great brilliance returns to simplicity.”
3. Hupao Spring Walking Route & Scenic Highlights
Hupao Spring is more than just a famous spring. It’s where nature and culture breathe together. Around every bend, I found not just beauty—but stories, silence, and soul. Let me walk you through the path that brought me peace, wonder, and a little magic.
1) How to Buy Hupao Spring Entry Tickets
Entry to Hupao Spring costs around 15 RMB (check the gate for updates). I bought my ticket right at the entrance—either by scanning a QR code or paying at the small ticket window.
As I stepped through the Huizhou-style gatehouse, the world changed. The city noise faded behind me. Suddenly, I was wrapped in cool, fresh air—2 to 3 degrees lower. Birdsong replaced traffic. It felt like entering a hidden garden painted in green.
2) Tiger Spring Path: A Green Tunnel of Light
The main Hupao Spring walking route is called Tiger Spring Path (虎跑径)—a dreamlike trail paved with old stone slabs. Towering dawn redwoods line both sides, their branches forming a leafy tunnel. Over 90% of the path stays shaded.
First, I slowed down to admire the moss between the stones—soft as velvet. Then, sunlight danced through the canopy, scattering glowing dots across the ground. On the left, a murmuring stream followed me. At one bend, I paused to watch the “Three-Tiered Falls,” designed to echo spring water in gentle harmony.
3) Hanhui Pavilion
Near the end of the Hupao Spring Path, I arrived at Hanhui Pavilion (含晖亭). Morning light touches this spot first—hence the name, “Pavilion of Embraced Sunlight.” On the pavilion’s left side is the place to collect Hupao Spring water.
Locals gather here daily, lining up with 5-liter jugs to collect Hupao Spring water. I watched quietly as they used a siphon method—precise and almost meditative.
Next, I filled my own bottle and sat nearby. The pavilion offered shade, spring sounds, and a chance to pause. Though the water must be boiled before drinking, the ritual itself felt pure and timeless.
4) “Third Best Spring Under Heaven” and the Bell Tower
After leaving Hanhui Pavilion, I followed a small path guided by wooden signs. Soon, I reached the true Hupao Spring that reveals itself. Water pearls up from the bottom of a square stone pool—clear and constant. Stone tiger heads surround the edge, each gently spouting water. The air felt cooler here. Humid, yes, but so refreshing in summer.
Locals love to test the spring’s tension. I tried too—filling a tea bowl to the brim, then slowly placing a coin inside. Amazingly, the water didn’t spill.
Finally, I climbed to the nearby Bell Tower. On the second floor, I opened a wooden window. Green hills rolled beneath me. On the third, I struck the bronze bell. Its deep echo flowed through the valley—slow, solemn, unforgettable.
5) Jihong Hall and Pagoda Courtyard
As I continued along the Hupao Spring walking route, I reached the Jigong Hall and Pagoda Courtyard complex (济公殿院建筑群). First came the main hall, where colorful clay figures told stories of Jigong’s wild but kind-hearted adventures.
Next, I stepped into the pagoda courtyard. Stone reliefs on the tower walls showed 36 legendary scenes from his life.
In the southwest corner, I spotted the “Timber Well,” said to be where Jigong drew wood to build the temple. His spirit felt alive here. On the stone walls, his playful face—laughing, scolding, blessing—seemed ready to leap out and greet the world again.
6) Yudai Pool: Red Maples and Golden Koi
Further along the Hupao Spring walking route, I found Yudai Pool (玉带池)—a long ribbon of jade-colored water. Red maples swayed above, their reflections dancing across the surface. Fat koi swam lazily below, chasing ripples. I paused beneath Yudai Pavilion, reading the poetic couplet: “Where forests and springs thrive, fine guests always gather.” It felt true.
Next, I noticed the banks—lined with Taihu stones, twisted and weathered. In spring, azaleas paint the edges red. In autumn, the maples set the pool aglow. I bought a small packet of fish food and watched the koi rise like living jewels.
7) Memorial Hall of Master Hongyi
At the end of my Hupao Spring walking route, I reached the Memorial Hall of Master Hongyi (弘一法师纪念馆). White walls, grey tiles, and bamboo shadows created a quiet world. I stepped inside, surrounded by stillness.
First, I read about Li Shutong’s journey—from celebrated artist to humble monk. Next, I stood before the replica of his famous farewell song, “Farewell at the Long Pavilion.” The words felt made for this place. In another room, I found his final calligraphy: 悲欣交集—“sorrow and joy intertwined.” I sat for a moment. And somehow, in that silence, everything felt full and complete.
8) The Pagoda of Master Hongyi
From the Memorial Hall of Master Hongyi, I climbed the stone steps and soon reached his relic pagoda (弘一法师舍利塔). Built from volcanic tuff, the tower rose with a simple grace—its base, body, and top perfectly balanced. On its front, six carved seal-script characters read: “The Pagoda of Master Hongyi,” （弘一大师之塔）written by the great scholar Ma Yifu (马一浮).
Not far away, on a small rise, stood Yangzhi Pavilion (仰止亭). It honors Li Shutong’s noble spirit. Standing there, I felt the breeze, watched the drifting clouds, and remembered a man whose life flowed as naturally as wind and moonlight.
4. Hupao Spring Travel Tips: A Peaceful Stroll Made Better
A few small things made my visit smoother—so here are my top Hupao Spring travel tips.
First, try to arrive before 9 a.m. The air is cooler, the crowds fewer, and the light more magical.
Next, wear shoes with good grip. Some of the moss-covered stone steps can get slippery, especially after rain.
In summer, mosquitoes hide in the shade. I sprayed repellent before walking and was glad I did.
When collecting spring water, be patient. Locals often line up with large containers. It’s all part of the rhythm here.
Also, don’t miss the second-floor window in the Bell Tower—it’s one of the best photo spots on the trail.
Finally, if you’d rather not carry water, you can buy bottled Hupao Spring water inside the park. It tastes clean and sweet—just like the spring itself.
With a little preparation, this peaceful walk becomes even more rewarding.
5. Extend Your Journey Beyond Hupao Spring
Visiting Hupao Spring never feels like the end—it’s only the beginning of more wonders around West Lake.
First, I walked northeast toward Su Causeway. Strolling there felt like entering a scroll painting—mist, willows, and graceful bridges. Next, I climbed Leifeng Pagoda. From the top, West Lake shimmered beneath me, breathtaking in every direction.
Meanwhile, just south of Hupao lies Liuhe Pagoda. From its upper floors, the mighty Qiantang River stretched endlessly. In addition, I wandered to Baita Park. Quiet paths led me through traces of old postal routes and travelers’ stories.
All these spots connect easily by bus. So, after Hupao’s peace, the journey flows naturally into history, legend, and lake-side beauty.
Writing this Hupao Spring Travel Guide feels like reliving a dream. From legends of tigers to the quiet of bamboo paths, every step held beauty and story. I came for a spring, but I found a world where water, history, and spirit flow together. If West Lake is the heart of Hangzhou, then Hupao is its quiet soul. Come early, walk slowly, and let this timeless valley whisper its secrets to you.
🌟Further Reading
Hangzhou Travel Guide: Map, Highlights, Food, Transport & Tips
How to Book Hangzhou Attraction Tickets: All You Need to Know
West Lake, Hangzhou: Walking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Feilai Feng Grottoes: Map, Walking Route & Highlights
Baoshi Mountain: Hiking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Xiling Seal Art Society: Map, Walking Route & Highlights
Hupao Spring: Walking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Liuhe Pagoda: Map, Walking Route and Highlights
How to Visit Hangzhou – Your Complete Guide
The Best Hangzhou Tour Itinerary
Best Places to See Fall Colors in Hangzhou
