After three years of hiking, I have to say this is the most breathtakingly beautiful—and simultaneously the dirtiest—mountain in all of Ningbo. The views from the summit will leave you speechless, but the litter scattered along the trails is a stark reminder of how we need to protect these natural wonders. ❤️

To all my fellow outdoor enthusiasts, let’s take better care of our planet, okay? Every little effort counts!

⛰️ Itinerary: Kao Lao Ancient Trail ➡️ Kao Lao Mountain Summit ➡️ Baiyang Waterfall

📍 Start your journey by navigating to the Shanglin Lake Parking Lot in the Kao Lao Mountain Scenic Area. 👣 Six-Foot ID: 8830202 🚶♂️ Distance: 8.0 kilometers (approximately 3.4 hours) ⭐️ Difficulty: Perfect for beginners!

Here are a few handy tips for those planning to embark on this adventure ⚠️:

1️⃣ At the base of the mountain, you’ll find stalls where you can stock up on water and snacks. Once you start climbing, there are no supplies available, so make sure to bring at least two bottles of water and some energy-packed treats to keep you going.

2️⃣ Signal strength on the mountain is notoriously weak, so it’s wise to plan your route beforehand and ensure you have offline maps or clear directions.

3️⃣ Some sections of the climb are steep and may require using both hands and feet. Keep an eye on children, and consider bringing climbing gloves to help navigate these trickier parts with ease.

4️⃣ Avoid hiking after rain. The paths can become slippery, and I’ve seen quite a few people lose their footing. Safety should always come first!
We opted for an 8-kilometer route, which is ideal for families. The descent avoids the steepest parts, and the last 1–2 kilometers include a more gentle road section. If the heat becomes too much, don’t hesitate to grab a taxi back to the parking lot—it’s perfectly okay to treat yourself! 😄