Mukeng Bamboo Sea

Chinese name: 木坑竹海 (Mukeng Zhuhai)

Location: Xingguang Village, Hongcun Town, Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province (approximately 4 kilometers from Hongcun Ancient Village).

Opening time: Generally open during daytime hours (approximately 08:00–17:30). Opening hours may vary by season. Please check the official channels before your visit.

Recommended time for a visit: 1.5–3 hours (a loop hike through the bamboo forest).

How to get there:

By Bus: From Huangshan North Station, take the tourist bus to Hongcun, then transfer to local transport or Bus No. 1 to reach the scenic area. 

By Car: Navigate to “Mukeng Bamboo Sea” (木坑竹海); parking is available at the South Gate or West Gate.

Introduction to Mukeng Bamboo Sea – The Bamboo Forest That Made Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Famous

Some places become famous because of a single, unforgettable scene. Mukeng Bamboo Sea is one of them. In 2001, Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon filmed its iconic “bamboo forest duel” here, and the image of Chow Yun-fat and Zhang Ziyi leaping through a sea of green has stayed with audiences ever since. But the bamboo forest itself existed long before Hollywood came calling.

Mukeng is a small mountain village of just over twenty households, nestled in a valley shaped like an upturned golden dipper. The valley is surrounded on all sides by bamboo—thick, towering, and almost impossibly green. The Chinese name “滴翠谷” (Valley of Dripping Jade) captures it well: after rain, the bamboo leaves glisten, and the whole valley seems to hold its breath.

Unlike its neighbor Hongcun, which draws crowds year-round, Mukeng Bamboo Sea remains relatively quiet. The main loop trail offers a gentle hike through the bamboo, with viewpoints that open suddenly onto waves of green stretching to the horizon.

Features of Mukeng Bamboo Sea

The “Bamboo Forest Duel” Filming Location

The exact spot where the Crouching Tiger scene was filmed is marked along the trail. Standing there, with bamboo towering overhead and the wind creating that characteristic rustling sound, it’s easy to see why Ang Lee chose this place. The scale and density of the bamboo here create a natural amphitheater that feels both intimate and vast.

The Village of Mukeng – Hidden in the Bamboo

The tiny village of Mukeng sits halfway up the mountain, surrounded by bamboo on all sides. Most households now run small guesthouses or restaurants, and the village feels like a place where time has slowed down. Local dishes focus on bamboo shoots, free-range chicken, and mountain vegetables—simple food that tastes like the landscape it comes from.

Waterfall Coffee and Family-Friendly Additions

The scenic area features a “Waterfall Coffee” spot — a café built beside a small waterfall, with a shallow pool below designed for children to play in. It’s a small but thoughtful addition: parents can sit with coffee while kids splash in the mountain water. There’s also a high-altitude zipline and a glass bridge near Xiunu Lake for those seeking a bit more adrenaline.

What to See in Mukeng Bamboo Sea

•The Bamboo Forest Trail: The main loop passes through dense bamboo, with several viewing platforms. The walk is moderate, with some steep sections near the “West Sea Cloud Ladder” (西海云梯).

•Xiunu Lake (秀女湖): A small emerald-green lake near the entrance, often covered in mist in the early morning.

•The Filming Location Marker: Near the middle of the trail; a popular photo spot for film fans.

•Mukeng Village: The small settlement itself, where you can stop for tea or a meal.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable hiking weather. Summer is lush and green but can be humid and buggy—bring mosquito repellent. Early morning (before 9:00) is the quietest time to visit, and the light filtering through the bamboo is particularly beautiful. The scenic area is usually less crowded than Hongcun, making it a good option for a half-day escape.