Mr Mao’s Chestnut Orchard | A peaceful path through the chestnut orchards
A peaceful path through the chestnut orchards.

Kids Club: Mr Mao’s Chestnut Orchard

Visit Mr Mao’s chestnut orchards on a up-and-back walk up into a valley with a few small waterfalls, with an longer option available for big kids.

Level 2+
Some tricky bits on the longer hike. 3–4 hours of walking and hiking over approx. 6km. (Can I do it?)

This hike is not currently scheduled

Contact us for schedule updates or set up a private hike

Hike a relatively easy 2–3km up through Mr Mao’s chestnut orchards to find a picnic-and-play spot by a small waterfall. Bigger kids can then climb a steep hill track to get on to a fun ridgeline trail that leads back to the start, smaller kids will follow the valley trail back to the beginning, and we’ll all meet up again in the village to finish

Kids club: relaxed outings for kids to enjoy some family time in nature. Best for ages 5 and up. Younger children would need to be carried for most of the way on this hike.

Itinerary

Itinerary for the hike
08:00 Driving to the hike, stopping for a bathroom break
10:00 Start walking, taking breaks on the way to the waterfalls
11:30 Picnic and time to play and explore
12:15 Big kids start on the longer trail back
12:30 Little kids start walking back down the valley
14:00 Finish with snacks and drinks in the village
14:30 Driving back, stopping for a bathroom break
16:30 Arrive at Lido, then on to Liangmaqiao
Taking a break by one of the small waterfalls at the head of the valley
Taking a break by one of the small waterfalls at the head of the valley. (Click for larger image)

Things to do

While there aren't specially structured activities this time, there are some fun things to do besides enjoying the views.

Find some spare chestnuts: The harvest will be done by the time of the hike, but we may find some chestnuts that weren’t picked.

Go looking for goats: Local shepherds often graze their goats in the valley. Sometimes we find them in their pens near the start of the hike, sometimes a bit further up the valley.

Hike the ridgeline track: A short, steep clamber and climb gets us out of the valley and up onto a ridgeline trail that winds between trees and rocky outcrops. There are some slippery and tricky parts, and we used to rate this a Level 3+. Best for older kids who want more exercise.

Please contact us if you'd like more details about the plan.

Hiking out down a valley
Hiking out down the valley. (Click for larger image)

Participation notes

Safety and supervision: we choose hikes that are not dangerous, and we’ll warn you about any parts of the hike that require extra attention. You’re responsible for watching your children. We’ll let you know where’s good to play.

Vehicle: all participants must wear seatbelts while in the vehicle. Ask us about bringing your car seat, as certain seats might not fit.

Weather: if the weather doesn’t look like fun, we’ll cancel or postpone the hike.

Food: bring your own picnic lunch. We’ll supply some snacks and water for you.

COVID-19 and participation precautions

The current precautions are minimal. Please read in full here: Operating hikes under COVID-19 precautions

Related content

Photos and trip reports: Kids Club: Mr Mao’s Chestnut Orchard

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