Making the great escape

Water rafting

Peak in interest

After a buffet breakfast to stock up on energy, I set off on what I'd been told would be a 6-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% 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.

If you go

Getting there: From Shanghai, regular buses and trains run to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province, where you can then transfer to a bus to Lin'an. From there, taxis can take you to the Tianmu Mountain nature reserve.