Wuyun Mountain is the third largest mountain among the mountains surrounding the West Lake, with an altitude of more than 300 meters. It is named after the colorful clouds hovering on the top of the mountain that do not disperse for a long time. There is a pavilion on the mountainside with a couplet that reads, ‘The long embankment cuts through the entire lake water, and the zigzag divides the mountains of two Zhejiang provinces.’ This vividly depicts the moving part of the mountain scenery. At the top of the mountain are the ruins of Zhenji Temple built in the Five Dynasties. Inside the temple, there are five wells and a ginkgo tree that requires five people to encircle it. With a tree age of 1,400 years and a height of 21 meters, it is known as ‘No. 1 ancient tree in Hangzhou’. Crossing the Shililangdang Ridge from the top of Wuyun Mountain and passing Longjing Lion Peak, one can reach Shangtianzhu and Lingyin.
Yunqi is located at the foot of Wuyun Mountain in the southwest of the West Lake. According to legend, the colorful clouds floating from Wuyun Mountain often stay here, hence the name Yunqi. In the Five Dynasties, Yunqi Zen Temple was built. In the late Ming Dynasty, the eminent monk Lianchi of the Pure Land Sect revitalized the mountain gate. Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty visited here repeatedly and made many comments. There are six scenic spots in Yunqi, including Riyao Peak, Baodaolong, Qinglong Spring, Shengyi Spring, Jinyequan, and Biguan Peak.Wuyun Mountain is also one of the producing areas of Longjing tea. One can see layers of tea fields surrounding the valley, lush and green. Zhenji Temple on the top of the mountain is visited by more tourists who come for hiking and walking as well as some pilgrims. Having tea, playing cards, reading books, and gathering here is very pleasant. Open all year round and open all day.
