Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds
» Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang

双峰插云 '双峰晓色连云度,列岛仙人化石还.洞口桃花春自在,溪头鸥鸟意俱闲'

Shuang Feng Cha Yun

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds refers to South Peak and North Peak at the West Lake Scenic Spot. One is located southwest of the West Lake and the other is located to the northwest. The northern peak has an elevation of 256.9 meters; the southern peak an elevation of 355 meters. The two peaks face each other from a distance of more than 5 kilometers.

Natural scenery

On a drizzly day in spring or autumn, visitors may find a spectacular view of the two peaks while they look up from Hongchun Bridge. At that time, only the two tips of the peaks can be seen in the thick fog. It looks as if the fog is being pierced only by the two peaks, thus the name "Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds." It also seems that an enchanting landscape painting was hanging before them with the peaks disappearing and appearing amidst drifting clouds.

Historical relics

Long ago Buddhist monasteries and pagodas were constructed on the tops of the two peaks. This place became a great attraction and was listed as one of the ten famous scenic sites of the West Lake during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279). Over the years the monasteries and pagodas were abandoned and fell into disrepair.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) Emperor Kangxi renamed the area Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds when he toured the West Lake and erected a pavilion at Hongchun Bridge on Lingyin Lu.

Two peaks

Narrow winding paths lead you to the top of South Peak, where you can get an overview of all the natural beauty of West Lake. It is easier to reach the top of North Peak. The stone steps on the west side can lead you there. The crystal clear streams and overlapping trees along the road give you an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature. If you like, there is also a ropeway on the east side that will lead you to the top. Halls and pavilions have been built on the top of North Peak, where you can also have an overview of West Lake's beautiful scenery.

How to get there

It is easy to get to this scenic spot. Just take bus No.7, No.27, No.807 or tourism bus No.1, No.2, No.3, and get off at Hongchunqiao Stop. Your destination is 50 meters (164 feet) ahead.

When to visit

  • Opening Hours: 08:00a.m. - 18:00p.m.

Attractions around » Hangzhou, Zhe Jiang

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Day Entertainment & Sports

Day Entertainment & Sports

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

Nature Reserve & Scenic Area

  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.


  • 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.


  • 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


  • 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.


  • 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.


On a drizzly day in spring or autumn, visitors may find a spectacular view of the two peaks while they look up from Hongchun Bridge. At that time, only the two tips of the peaks can be seen in the thick fog. It looks as if the fog is being pierced only by the two peaks, thus the name "Two Peaks Piercing the Clouds."



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