Mount Mogan

Background

Mount Mogan is in Deqing County, Huzhou, on a spur of the Tianmu Mountains; its main peak, Tashan, rises to 720 metres. In the late nineteenth century, Western missionaries found the mountain ideal for escaping the summer heat, and foreign residents soon began buying land and building houses here; by 1910 about three hundred foreigners, mostly Americans and British, had set up summer homes on the mountain. By the 1920s there were 154 Western-style villas, and Chinese owners later built or bought more than three hundred villas.

Local customs

Walk the mountain trails to enjoy the bamboo groves and villas, visit the Sword Pool waterfall and the Luhuadang Park, and spend a summer night on the mountain to escape the heat.

Travel tips

• Temperatures vary a good deal on the mountain, so bring an extra layer. Check the official channels for lodging and ticket prices, and book ahead in peak season. There are many hiking trails, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Take the high-speed train to Deqing Station, then change to a car up the mountain
• check the official channels for journey times and schedules. Sights on the mountain are spread out, and scenic-area shuttles are available. Summer is best for escaping the heat, and in autumn the red leaves set off the bamboo groves. In winter the mountain is cold, so check the weather and road conditions before you go.