5.4 Depart from the urban area of Yuyao at 8:30 AM
Head to the Kǎolǎo Mountain East parking lot, a compact yet well-organized space with clearly marked spots. Staff members are on hand to guide you through parking, and the fee is a reasonable 15 RMB (5 RMB per hour, capped at 20 RMB). We arrived at 9:20 AM, finding the lot pleasantly uncrowded with plenty of available spaces — making parking quick and hassle-free.
At the entrance to the scenic area, there’s a restroom, though its cleanliness leaves much to be desired. Still, it’s your only option before heading up the mountain, so make use of it while you can. Be sure to bring plenty of water and drinks! A bottle of Coke at the summit will set you back a whopping 20 RMB!
We began our ascent at 9:30 AM, opting for the smaller loop trail, which totals about 5 kilometers. After a 30-minute rest midway, we reached the summit by 11:00 AM. The final stretch along the wild trail is no joke — steep, dusty, and demanding. Trekking poles are an absolute must here! The incline is sharp, and dust thick enough to warrant wearing a mask if you want to avoid swallowing dirt.
In many sections, you’ll need to use both hands and feet, so beginners should brace themselves mentally for this challenging climb.
But all the effort pays off once you reach the breathtaking summit. This is Cixi’s Little Rio de Janeiro in full glory — don’t miss the chance to capture countless photos as souvenirs. Just remember, there’s no cell signal on the mountain, so save any poses or ideas you’d like to replicate ahead of time. Trust us; this tip could make or break your photo session!
The descent proves trickier than the climb. Hold onto sturdy trees whenever possible, especially on the dust-covered portions where even experienced hikers have found themselves sliding down. Tread carefully — one slip and you’ll end up covered in dirt. That said, aside from the occasional wobble, it’s not too daunting. Your legs may tremble all the way down to the base, but perseverance gets you through.
All in all, it’s an unforgettable adventure worth every step!
