Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area – Liuyu Shanju

Liuyu Shanju, a historical site, was originally situated at the northern foot of South Peak. Emperor Qianlong once visited this […]

Liuyu Shanju, a historical site, was originally situated at the northern foot of South Peak. Emperor Qianlong once visited this place and graced it with the inscription ‘Liuyu Shanju’, a name that has been preserved to this day. Adjacent to the mountain residence, one can find Jiangting Pavilion and Tingquan Pavilion, which are part of the eighteen scenic spots of West Lake, also inscribed by Emperor Qianlong.

In 2004, the landscape was reconstructed near its original location, following the layout documented in ancient texts. This restoration included reconnecting the water system, creating new rockeries, and adding fresh couplets and plaques to revive the old scenery. Historical records describe a path leading up from Liutong Temple, where one encounters a variety of peculiar rocks among the trees and grass, each with a unique character. A spring cascades down from a stone wall, several zhang high, with droplets resembling flying pearls and spraying jade that crash onto the cliff stone below. The collision of water and stone produces a sound reminiscent of the music of a zither.

The mountain residence is located beside this spring. Ascending from the left side of the spring to the summit, one arrives at a building known as ‘Baiyun Wo’. To the west of this building lies a viewing platform called ‘Liuguan Terrace’. Beneath the platform, there are three rooms. The specific business hours and the status of the site’s opening are subject to the conditions on any given day.