Making the great escape

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

Tianmu Mountain nature reserve 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.

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 right 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.