Solitary Hill

» Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang

Solitary Hill Overview & Map Weather Transportation Information

Solitary Hill (Gu Shan), situated at the northwestern corner of West Lake, is 38 meters (about 125 feet) above sea-level, and covers an area of 300 mu (nearly 50 acres). It is the lowest summit, compared to other hills around West Lake, but it is also the biggest island in the lake and the only natural island as well.

Its names

Solitary Hill got this name because it is surrounded by water, standing solitarily in West Lake. It can also be called Solitary Island, for it is a lonely island; rather than a hill. Its other name: Plum Blossom Island, originates from the flourishing plum blossom planted on the hill.

What to visit

Beautiful landscapes

Solitary Hill boasts of beautiful landscapes. It is bordered by Bai Causeway on the east, Xi Ling Bridge on the west, the Outer West Lake on the south, and the Inner West Lake on the north. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, one of the ten scenes of the West Lake; is formed on the boundary of Solitary Hill and Bai Causeway. Solitary Hill is an ideal place to enjoy the beauty of West Lake.

Cultural relics

Solitary Hill is not only a famous scenic spot, but also a place full of cultural relics. Meandering in such a civilized place, you can incessantly experience the strong cultural tinge.

Xi Ling Seal Society

On the top of Solitary Hill is Xi Ling Seal Society, an academic community devoted to the study of inscription and seal-cutting. Founded in 1908 under the leadership of Wu Changshuo, the society was soon popular and developed into a famous center of seal-cutting, painting, and calligraphy. At present, the society exhibits more than 250 pieces, including stone tablets, inscriptions, and statuary from past dynasties.

Fang He Ting (Crane Pavilion)

At the west foot of Solitary Hill, Fang He Ting (Crane Pavilion) was erected to memorialize Lin Bu, a poet of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279). Lin Bu lived alone in Solitary Hill for many years and never married. Apart from composing poems and painting in his spare time, he concentrated on raising cranes and planting plum trees to enjoy their blossoms. Thus, people said that the plum blossoms were his wives and the cranes his sons. Hence, the saying "Plum Wife and Crane Son" became his nickname and was remembered and came down from generation to generation. Today, Fang He Ting (Crane Pavilion) and its surrounding areas are the best places for appreciating plum blooms in early spring.

The tomb of Qiu Jin

The tomb of Qiu Jin is at the west foot of Solitary Hill, near the bank of Xi Ling Bridge. Qiu Jin is a well-known heroine in the period of Chinese pro-democracy revolutionary at the beginning of 20th century. She bravely fought with enemies and died at the tender age of 32. The present granite tomb in a square shape is the result of the large restoration of 1981. On the tomb is a white marble statue of Qiu Jin. Wearing a long skirt and leaning on a sword, she looks composed and resolute.

Other cultural relics

At the south foot lies Zhejiang Museum, Wen Lan Pavilion (attracting many literati), and Zhongshan Park in the middle of the hill. The park was rebuilt on the site of an imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty, and was opened in 1927 to commemorate Sun Yat-sen, the great leader of the Xinhai Revolution in 1911.

The best time to visit

Picturesque sceneries are the distinctive feature of Solitary Hill. The best time to visit Solitary Hill is in winter or in early spring, for at this time, tourists can enjoy the plum blossom as well as the usual sights. Snow provides the most enchanting scene on the Solitary Hill. After snow, the bright, reflected sunlight seem soft and warm. If boating on the lake after snow, the hill with a "silver' cover will be sure to remind you of a sparkling and limpid jade building.

How to get there

Bus Route: 1.2.3

Attractions around » Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang

Natural Scene

• West Lake
• Mt. Putuoshan
• Lake Qiandaohu
• Feilaifeng Peak
• Solitary Hill
• Red Carp Pond
• Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
• Qiantang River
• Hupao Spring
• Grand Canal

Historical Site

• Lingyin Temple
• Ancient Town of Wuzhen
• Liuhe Pagoda
• Hefang Street
• Tomb of General Yue Fei

Cultural Site

• Hangzhou Botanical Garden
• National Tea Museum
• China National Silk Museum
• Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Orchid Pavilion

Day Entertainment & Sports

• Jian Lake Golf Culb

Shopping & Leisure

• Hefang Street

Solitary Hill Highlights

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area in Great China

• Yellow Mountains
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Stone Forest
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
• Yalong Bay
• Huanglong Scenic Area
• Mt. Emeishan
• Qutang Gorge
• Wu Gorge
• Xiling Gorge
• Wolong Nature Reserve
• Mt. Taishan
• Mt. Wuyishan
• Mt. Qingchengshan
• Echoing-Sand Mountain
• Mt. Putuoshan
• Mt. Wutaishan
• Gulangyu Island
• Reed Flute Cave
• Jimei School Village
• Victoria Peak
• Dadonghai
• Wuzhizhou Island
• Shennongjia Nature Reserve
• Mt. Jiuhuashan
• Mt. Wudangshan
• Shennong Stream
• Lake Taihu
• Lake Shahu
• Dragon Palace Scenic Area
• Suoxi Valley
• Mt. Tianzishan
• Huangshi Village
• Jinbian Stream
• Stone Bell Hill
• Mt. Changbaishan
• Shangri-la
• Feilaifeng Peak
• The First Bend of the Yangtze
• Mt. Cangshan
• Meili Snow Mountain
• Tianshan Mountains
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Eling Park
• Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Mounigou Valley
• Small Three Gorges
• Mt. Huashan
• Penglai Pavilion Scenic Area
• Crown Cave
• Xinglong Tropical Botanical Garden
• Port Wusongkou
• Mt. Qianshan
• Shapotou
• Yellow River Scenic Area
• Mt. Yuelushan
• Mt. Hengshan
• Silver Cave
• Solitary Hill
• Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
• Nanxi River Scenic Area
• Dongba Valley
• Flaming Mountain
• Tianshan Grand Canyon
• Wangjiang Park
• Mt. Gonggashan
• Mt. Hengshan
• Half-Side Ferry
• International Beer Town
• Beidaihe Scenic Spot
• Laohutan Ocean Park
• Xiaoqikong
• Mt. Laoshan
• Huaxi Scenic Area
• Grape Valley
• Seven-Star Crag Scenic Area
• Mt. Qomolangma
• Yellow Cloth Shoal
• Forest of Odd-Shaped Peaks
• Wangfu Rock
• Badaguan Scenic Area
• Ruili
• Wudalianchi Scenic Area
• Port Lushun
• Port Lvshun
• Tianya Haijiao
• Xiao Dongtian
• Xian Qi Cave
• Merryland World
• Green Lotus Peak
• Sanya Bay
• Dongshanling Ridge
• Mt. Qingyuanshan
• Qilian Mountains
• Xiangzhi Valley
• Fanjing Mountain National Nature Reserve
• Baishui Tableland
• Dishuidong Cave
• Port Chaotianmen
• Mt. Geleshan
• No.1 Bathing Beach
• Cangyan Mountain Scenic Area
• Fujiazhuang Beach
• Xingcheng Beach
• Leigong Mountain Nature Reserve
• Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation
• Baizhangji and Feiyun Lake Scenic Area
• Thousand Buddha Mountain
• Mt. Panshan
• Shanghai Wild Animal Park
• Red Hill

Solitary Hill FAQ & Travelers's Tips

  Weather

1. Hangzhou's weather and something we need to know

  Food

1. What's the specialty of Hangzhou cuisine?
2. What are some famous restaurants in Hangzhou?

  Shopping

1. What are the best souvenirs in Hangzhou?

  Customs

1. What are some local festivals in Hangzhou?

• Hangzhou's weather and something we need to know

  Hangzhou's weather is always warm and humid, with a clear division of four seasons.

  The peak season usually starts in March and lasts for a month, due to a flower-blooming season, with a temperature of 9 to 15 C.

  From late June to early July, it is the plum rain season. Rainfalls are very unpredictable. Typhoon takes places in the early August with pouring rains, so during this period of time, an umbrella is always needed when you prepare to go out.

  The winter in Hangzhou is just like other cities' in south China, with piercing cold. Warm clothes are strongly suggested.

  If you want to take a walk alongside the West Lake, please wear some warm clothes too, to avoid from getting a clod which will affect your journey.

  Each season in Hangzhou has its own splendid view and specialty, which are all worth visiting.

- Top -



• What's the specialty of Hangzhou cuisine?

  Hangzhou cuisine does have it's own characteristics: smells nice, tastes good and looks pleasant. Fresh tastes is the most well-known specialty of Hangzhou cuisine.

  The most famous dishes are Fish Maw with Chinese Broccoli, Dongpo Pork, West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, etc.

  You can not underestimate Hangzhou's snacks. Thousands years of history provides a peculiarity of Hangzhou snacks. Congbaohui, Cat Ears (Do not panic. It's not really cat's ears. It's dough in a cat's ear's shape and is cooked in different ways), Noodles with Preserved Vegetable and Sliced Pork and Bamboo Shoots in Soup, Crisp Cakes, etc.

- Top -



• What are some famous restaurants in Hangzhou?

  Louwailou Restaurant

  Built in the 1840s by a Qing Dynasty Noble, Louwailou Restaurant is said to be the oldest restaurant in China. Many foreign heads have dined there when visiting this city.

  The Restaurant features authentic Hangzhou cuisine. Tasty food served including West Lake Carp in Sweet and Sour Sauce, Beggar's Chicken as well as Dragon Well Tea served with snacks.

  Address: No 30 Gushan Road
  Tel: (0571) 8796 9023
  Opening Hours: Open daily 11:30am - 2:30pm and 4:30pm - 8:30pm

  Tianwaitian Restaurant

  This is also a very old restaurant first opened in 1910. its nice location close to the Lingyin Temple, tasty seafood and warm service make the restaurant very popular eating place for tourist.

  Address: No. 2 Tianzhu Road, outside the Peak Flown from Afar Park entrance
  Tel: (0571) 8796 0599
  Opening hours: Open Daily 7am - 9pm
  

- Top -



• What are the best souvenirs to best in Hangzhou?

  Silk

  Hangzhou is well known for producing excellent silks, including satins.

  The best place for purchasing silk in Hangzhou is at Hangzhou Silk City, the biggest silk wholesale and retail market in China with more than 600 silk enterprises dealing in a wide variety of pure silk fabrics, garments, handicraft articles, scarves, and ties.

  It is located at No.253 Xinhua Road (at the intersection of Fengqi Road, Tiyuchang Road, and Xinhua Road). You can get to the site by bus No.11 and 28.

  Tea

  Hangzhou Longjing Tea (Dragon Well Tea) is considered China's best. It is not only famous for its unique green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste, and flat appearance, but is also regarded as a health elixir.

  The tea falls into different grades; the best is the first pick of a year, normally in late March or early April.

  Besides its good quality, Longjing Tea also enjoys a famous long history. If you are interested in tea culture and history, Meijiawu Village in West Lake District is the ideal spot where you can have a cup of tea, watch a tea ceremony, and select tea under professional guidance.

- Top -



• What are some local festivals in Hangzhou?

  There are some remarkable festivals in Hangzhou, maybe you will experience one of them if you are lucky enough:
  

  • Dragon Well Tea Festival (April-May)
    The annual Dragon Well Tea Festival, hosted by Dragon Well Village, attracts people from everywhere to take part in activities such as picking tea, drinking tea, enjoying a tea ceremony, and walking in the countryside.
    
    
  • West Lake Lotus Festival (July-August)
    The main activities of this festival include viewing the beautiful lotus, picking lotus seed pods, shelling lotus seed, watching folk drama performances, and visiting the lotus exhibition. The host area is one of the scenic spots of West Lake-Qu Yuan Feng He.
    
    
  • West Lake Osmanthus Festival (September-October)
    Since osmanthus is the city flower of Hangzhou, the government has decreed that each year during September when osmanthus blooms, Hangzhou citizens host the West Lake Osmanthus Festival.
    
    The sites of the celebration are usually in Man Long Gui Yu Park, Man Jue Long Village, and Hangzhou Arboretum. Appreciating osmanthus and the food made of osmanthus, drinking tea, watching shows and painting exhibitions are the main activities during the festival.
    
    
  • China International Qiantang River Tidal Bore Festival (September-the 18th day of the eighth lunar month)
    During this tourist-friendly festival, one of the largest in China, visitors arrive to appreciate the great spectacle of the Qiantang River Bore. The bore is a unique natural phenomenon triggered by the pull of the moon.
    
    When the tides come in, a wave is produced so large that it surges several meters high. Every year this magnificent wonder draws thousands of tourists from all over the world.
    
    
  • West Lake International Fireworks Show (In the middle of October)
    This dazzling event in West Lake draws thousand of viewers to the fireworks site to witness the glittering and colorful skyline. Thousands of new fireworks products from different countries entertain enthusiastic visitors.
  
  
- Top -