Tianmu Mountain nature reserve in eastern China is the perfect remedy for those looking for a break from the city

One of the best things about living in Shanghai is that some of China's best hiking trails are on your doorstep.

The mountains of neighboring Zhejiang province are a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle (not to mention the regular smog) of the eastern metropolis, offering fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Dipping in the natural pool is perfect for people to enjoy the summer. Amber Wu / For China Daily

Great views and vistas in the mountain.

Among the best destinations to choose from is Tianmu Mountain. So, on one fine day in summer, I hopped on a bus and headed out on an adventure.

Just an hour into the drive out of Shanghai, lush mountains and farm villages started to appear on both sides of the highway. It's about here you begin to realize you have actually left the city and are now in the Zhejiang countryside.

A few more miles (and, if you are like me, a short nap) later and you will find yourself surrounded by peaks and waterfalls. When the bus started to zigzag its way up a steep incline, I knew I was getting close to my final destination.

I was dropped off at a bed-and-breakfast hotel in the middle of an area of extreme natural beauty. It was nearing noon, and as the sun peeked through the heavy clouds I was hit with a feeling of complete tranquility.

Eats shoots and leaves

Of course, the best thing to do when you're so relaxed is eat. So I headed for the wooden deck terrace fairly high into the mountain to enjoy lunch with some my fellow travelers.

There was quite a plethora of nationalities. I chatted with engineers from Germany, a Mongolian designer, and an English teacher who was actually born in France. (Sometimes, the best thing about traveling alone is it encourages you to get chatting to other people, I find.)

After wolfing down a plate of bamboo shoots, a staple for Zhejiang folk, I felt sufficiently fueled to take a short hike to a waterfall park. While the entrance gives off the vibe of a tourist trap, once you get passed that it's actually quite serene. Rather than being swarmed by sightseers taking selfies, when was there I actually had the place all to myself.

A bit further on, a steady incline (I went at a fair pace and it took about 20 minutes) leads to a spot that offers a panoramic view of the bamboo forests below as well as the waterfalls, which form swirling natural pools - perfect for a cooling dip.

Some pools are more secluded than others (take note, couples looking for alone time), while the larger pools are great for splashing about in. If you don't fancy getting wet, there are plenty of overlooking rocks to chill out on.

It's a wonderful way to "waste" an afternoon, and as the sun settled on the horizon I headed back to the guesthouse to dry off around a bamboo bonfire. Even at night, parts of the mountain were still visible, providing a great backdrop for those inclined to party the night away with food, drink and music.

I had an early night (honest), with the heaviest hiking to come the following day.

Peak in interest

After a buffet breakfast to stock up on energy, I set off on what I'd been told would be a six-hour trek to see some of the peaks.

The first 30 minutes are pretty easygoing, but then the real hike starts. The trail I used was tricky route used only by the local farmers. It requires navigating deep woodlands and rocks covered in moss, while a set of extremely steep steps made me thankful for my bamboo walking stick.

Up ahead I could see some hardcore hikers powering on, but slow and steady seems the safer option. I'd also advise people not attempt the hike here alone, as there are numerous opportunities to slip and injure yourself - and this mountain is not somewhere you would like to be stranded.

Heading back, I chose an alternative path, and I was glad I did - it offered some breathtaking views. The varied terrain is at some points relatively flat and at others steep, but it is all pretty much 100 percent photogenic.

I sat for the moment on a rock looking at the surrounding peaks, which were dotted with wild white flowers. Taking a picture here provides the kind of shot social media was invented for.

Back at the guesthouse, drained of all energy, the perfect way to unwind was to take another dip in the natural pools, followed of course by a well-earned drink around a late-night bonfire.

The next morning, as I waited for the bus to take me back to Shanghai, I took one last look around.

The trip had been another reminder that what shapes us is not the possessions we collect, but rather the memories of the wonderful experiences we share with friends - and with nature.

For China Daily

(China Daily European Weekly 09/02/2016 page19)