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Xiling Seal Society is located at the west foot of Gushan Mountain in the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou. It is bounded by Bai Causeway in the south, Xiling Bridge in the west, and West Lake in the north. With the purpose of "preserving inscriptions, studying seal carving, and also calligraphy and painting", it is the academic group with the longest history, highest achievements, and widest influence in the study of inscriptions and seal carving at home and abroad, and has the reputation of "the world's number one society".
The community site includes many ancient architectural sites from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with elegant gardens, secluded scenery, a collection of cultural landscapes, and cliff inscriptions everywhere. It is known as the "best lake and mountain resort".
Because the Xiling Seal Society is the prototype of Wu Xie's antique shop in "Grave Robbers' Chronicles", many book fans also come to visit.
Suitable for all seasons
There is a stone chamber on the mountain that houses the "Three Elders of Han Stone Stele" from the Eastern Han Dynasty, a national treasure redeemed by the members of the Seal Society in the early 20th century; there is also a Huayan Sutra Pagoda on the top of the mountain, engraved with Buddhist scriptures and statues, which is the landmark building of the Seal Society.
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The Xiling Seal Society, established in 1904, is a cultural institution that focuses on the preservation and promotion of Chinese seal carving and calligraphy. It has played a significant role in maintaining the traditional art forms of seal engraving and Chinese calligraphy and is one of the most influential cultural societies in China.
The Xiling Seal Society is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, near the scenic West Lake. To get there, you can take Metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao Station, followed by a short walk. Alternatively, a taxi or public bus can easily take you there from most parts of the city.
The Xiling Seal Society is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the off-peak seasons, either in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), to avoid large crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
The entrance fee for the Xiling Seal Society is generally around ¥30-¥50. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance, and online ticketing options may also be available through various local tourism websites or apps in Hangzhou.
For general entry, booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended to do so for special exhibitions or during peak tourist seasons. Booking a week in advance is sufficient for most visits.
You will need about 1 to 2 hours to fully explore the Xiling Seal Society, depending on your interest in the exhibits and activities available, such as workshops or exhibitions.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available upon request. Audio guides may also be offered in various languages for visitors, including English.
Start by exploring the museum hall, where you can learn about the history of seal carving. Then, visit the seal carving exhibition to see live demonstrations. End your visit by strolling through the art gallery and outdoor gardens for some relaxation and additional cultural insight.
The Xiling Seal Society does not generally offer night visits or light shows. However, special tours and exhibitions may be available, particularly during cultural festivals or peak seasons.
The Xiling Seal Society can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, particularly in the summer months. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon on non-holiday weekdays.
The Xiling Seal Society offers basic facilities, including public restrooms, a small café, and a gift shop that sells seal-related products and traditional Chinese art. Water fountains are also available around the premises.
The Xiling Seal Society is relatively accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with wheelchair-friendly areas. However, some parts of the exhibition may require walking on uneven terrain. Children will enjoy interactive exhibits and seal carving demonstrations.
While cash is accepted, mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are more commonly used and convenient, especially for purchasing tickets or items at the gift shop.
There is a small café inside the Xiling Seal Society that serves light refreshments. Nearby, you can find a variety of restaurants serving Hangzhou's famous dishes, such as Longjing tea and Beggar's Chicken. Many restaurants are located around West Lake, just a short walk away.
Vegetarian options are commonly available in nearby restaurants. Vegan and halal options may be more limited but can be found in larger restaurants around West Lake or in dedicated establishments in Hangzhou.
There are several hotels near the Xiling Seal Society, particularly around the West Lake area, such as the Hyatt Regency Hangzhou and the West Lake State Guesthouse, which offer comfortable accommodations with views of the lake and proximity to cultural sites.
There are souvenir shops inside the Xiling Seal Society and in nearby areas. Common souvenirs include traditional Chinese seals, calligraphy brushes, handmade paper, and other cultural artifacts related to Chinese art and history.
From the Xiling Seal Society, you can take a taxi or public bus to explore other nearby attractions, such as West Lake and Lingyin Temple. The Hangzhou Metro is also a convenient option to travel around the city.
