Hiking Trail on Gushan Mountain, Hangzhou
The Secret Paradise of Gushan Mountain in West Lake, Known as “Green Cloud Path” Gushan Mountain
Green Cloud Path, what a poetic name
Green shade covers the mountain, like clouds and a canopy
The path is deep and secluded, who knows who comes here?
Green Cloud Path lies atop Gu Shan Mountain yet few know of its existence.
It was once part of the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong Emperor’s summer palace.
Its western end is the renowned Xiling Seal Society,
while its eastern end is the Wenlan Pavilion, home to the Complete Library of the Four Treasuries.
This short path
blends poetry and nature into the perfect harmony of beauty.
In early summer, the ground is covered in green moss, resting atop large stones.
Come take a stroll—it’s incredibly soothing!
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🗺️Route
The entire route is three kilometers long and takes about one to two hours:
Xiling Bridge—Gushan Road—Xiling Seal Society—Green Cloud Path (exit the stone gate behind the Xiling Seal Society and turn right)—Jingyi Academy—West Lake Scenic Pavilion—Gushan Park Main Gate—Wenlang Pavilion (enter from the Zhejiang Provincial Museum and turn left)—North Side of Gushan (facing Beishan Street and Baoshi Mountain).
🌅West Lake Sunrise
Watch the bright and passionate sunrise of early summer from Gushan Mountain. In the morning, the sun rises slowly. Su Causeway and the boats reflect the Leifeng Pagoda and Broken Bridge, offering a panoramic view of the West Lake scenery.
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⛩️Xiling Seal Society
Known as the “First Society Under Heaven,” it has gathered many modern masters. Inside, there is the Three Elders Stele from the Eastern Han Dynasty, a national treasure, as well as numerous cliff carvings..
🍃Green Cloud Path
Part of the original Qianlong Emperor’s Summer Palace, this narrow path is deep and secluded, featuring a tree with particularly unusual branches. The West Lake Scenic Pavilion is quiet and serene.
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🏛️Wenlan Pavilion
This was the library for the Four Treasuries Collection during the Qianlong era. The building exudes imperial grandeur and splendor, modeled after the Tianyi Pavilion..
📍Location: Xiling Bridge or Xiling Seal Society
🚙Transportation: Take the subway to Fengqi Road or Longxiang Bridge Station on Line 1, then take a taxi or walk.
🎫 Admission: Free for all. Wenlan Pavilion is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays). Xiling Seal Society is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
🍜 Cuisine: Recommended dining on Beishan Street.
🚾 Restrooms: Plenty of restrooms available.
