Come conquer Hangzhou’s “hidden famous mountain,” it’s really fun and interesting!

When it comes to famous mountains in Hangzhou, many people’s first impressions are probably Beigao Peak [with cable car], Nangao Peak [with scenery], Yuhuang Mountain [with a Taoist temple], Jiuyue Mountain [with a pavilion], Baoshi Mountain [with a famous pagoda], Daming Mountain [with entertainment], Wuchao Mountain [hiking available], Banshan [pavilion climbing], Wushan [with historical sites], Tianyu Mountain [with elevator], and so on. Each is well-known and has many unique advantages, making them perfect for check-ins and visits!

However, Uncle Shuai discovered that Hangzhou also has a “hidden famous mountain” with its own heritage. A trip there opens your mind, fills you with poetry, and is definitely worth conquering. If you like, give it a try!

We’re talking about Hangzhou Phoenix Mountain, with an elevation of 178 meters. It’s close to West Lake in the north and connects to the riverside in the south. Named for its phoenix-like shape, it shares the beautiful reputation of “Dragon Flying and Phoenix Dancing” with Yuhuang Mountain!

Historically, Phoenix Mountain was quite famous. Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, it served as the seat of the prefecture. In the third year of the Southern Song Dynasty’s Jianyan era (1129), the imperial city was built here. The palace and forbidden garden stretched east from Fengshan Gate, west to the western foot of Phoenix Mountain, south to Tiaozhou Bay, and north to Wansong Ridge, with three gates: Lizheng, Hening, and Donghua. After the palace was burned down in the early Yuan Dynasty, it was converted into a Buddhist temple, but by the late Ming Dynasty, it had fallen into ruins. Among the highlights are the Southern Song imperial city ruins, Yueyan (Moon Rock), Shengguo Temple ruins, Paiya Stone poetry inscriptions, Fantian Temple ruins, and Qiyun Temple!

Compared to other famous mountains in Hangzhou, Phoenix Mountain seems like a “hidden gem.” Other mountains have various typical ways to play and clear routes for visitors. Phoenix Mountain, rich in history, mainly attracts hiking enthusiasts and history lovers, offering pure beauty and a quiet atmosphere!

For first-timers, Uncle Shuai suggests the following route:

Bus 102 “Wansongling” stop — White Snake Flying Crossing — Jieyi Pavilion — Wansong Academy [10 yuan entrance fee, optional] — mountain path — fork — Phoenix Pavilion on Phoenix Mountain — return to fork — Shengguo Temple ruins — Paiya Stone poetry inscriptions — Yueyan — Hangzhou White Pagoda Forest Qiyun Temple — Fantian Temple ruins complex — Mantou Mountain community — Metro Line 5 [Houchao Men].

Among these, White Snake Flying Crossing is a free romantic garden with a very unique atmosphere. The “snake-shaped” aerial corridor offers stunning and dreamy views, perfect for photos!

Jieyi Pavilion originates from the story of the ancient couple Cui Sheng and his wife. Officials admired their loyalty and righteousness, giving them a grand burial and building a pavilion in their memory.

Wansong Academy is a famous ancient academy in Hangzhou, featuring highlights like Mingdao Hall, Dacheng Hall, Wanshi Shibiao (Model Teacher for All Ages), and Guanyin Hall. It’s also the site of the Liang Zhu love story, with matchmaking events every Saturday.

Phoenix Pavilion on Phoenix Mountain is located at the summit and is an excellent spot to view the panorama of Hangzhou city, West Lake, and the Qiantang River!

Shengguo Temple ruins were once a famous ancient temple in Hangzhou, housing the largest Western Three Saints relief in West Lake, eighteen Arhat statues, and a calligraphy inscription “Loyalty and Faithfulness” by Song Gaozong Zhao Gou. It has deep cultural heritage and has been under continuous restoration in recent years!

Paiya Stone poetry inscriptions are a place rich in history. King Qian once saw the Paiya Stones “lined up” to welcome him, and later generations of scholars came here to write and paint!

Yueyan was once one of Hangzhou’s three best moon-viewing spots, rivaling Pinghu Autumn Moon and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. On the Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month), when the full moon rises to a certain height, moonlight passes through the moon hole at the top of Yueyan, shining on the Guiyue Pond below. The sky, rock top, and water surface each reflect a bright moon, creating a magical scene described as “the moon cycles through the hole, the jade mirror spins below.”

Hangzhou White Pagoda Forest Qiyun Temple was founded during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, with a history of over 1,400 years. Inside the temple, you’ll find it much smaller than expected, with only a few monks living a self-sufficient life, truly a peaceful Buddhist sanctuary.

Fantian Temple ruins complex: In ancient times, there were three temples on Phoenix Mountain — Fantian Temple, Shengguo Temple, and Qiyun Temple. The Fantian Temple ruins complex is the trace left by Fantian Temple, densely covered with Buddhist inscriptions recording a long history. Those deeply interested in Buddhism can find the “Great Dharani Sutra of Immediate Attainment of Great Freedom” inscribed here, with the stupa decorated with twenty-seven layers of canopies, waist eaves, lotus motifs, and other exquisite components, making it highly valuable artistically.

Mantou Mountain community is a living “old Hangzhou people gathering place.” It has many interesting shops, such as cultural and creative stores, dessert shops, designer studios, and handicraft galleries. It’s a great spot for photos, check-ins, shopping, and experiencing a slow-paced life!

The whole loop took Uncle Shuai about 6 hours, truly slowing down to listen to the wind and his own breath, and to feel the profound history and relics. It was very uplifting and poetic! After the challenge, relaxing in the slow-life Mantou Mountain community, watching everyday life, trying authentic food, and admiring photo-taking girls is really comfortable and easy!

Also, if you have good stamina, after visiting Hangzhou White Pagoda Forest Qiyun Temple, you can continue without descending, return to the Paiya Stone poetry inscriptions, then head toward Jiangtai Mountain, and reach the Old Yuhuang Palace. This is a mid-mountain spot in the Yuhuang Mountain scenic area. Not only is there no entrance fee [10 yuan], but you can also fully enjoy the “Three Wonders of Yuhuang” [Fuxing Temple at the summit, Zilai Cave in the mountain, Bagua Fields at the foot], which is a great pleasure!

Transportation

Start: Take bus 102 to “Wansongling” stop.

End: Choose Metro Line 5 [Houchao Men], or bus 39; bus 315 returns from “Fantian Temple Road” to the community!

Practical information for Hangzhou Phoenix Mountain:

Free admission, open all day, located in Phoenix Mountain, West Lake Scenic Area, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou. Public transportation is highly recommended!

So, what do you think? Are you interested in Hangzhou Phoenix Mountain? Feel free to leave comments and discuss!