Clouds Scurrying over Jade Emperor Hill

Jade Emperor Hill faces the West Lake to the north, is close to the Qiantang River in the south, and connects Nanping Hill and the large Cizhu Mountain in the west. There are always clouds and mist winding around its top, hence this site is called “Clouds Scurrying over Jade Emperor Hill”.

Early in the Liang Dynasty of the South Dynasty, Buddhist temples were built on Jade Emperor Hill, and the hill was fully developed during the Wuyue State of Five Dynasties. Later, in the second year (924 AD) of Emperor Tongguang’s reign during the Later Tang Dynasty, the mountain path of Ciyun Ridge was opened at the southern foot of the hill, and Buddhist temples like “Dengyun Platform” and A Yu King Temple used for offering sacrifices to the heavens were built. In the Southern Song Dynasty, the temples were even expanded. In the Ming Dynasty, the temples of Jade Emperor Hill were changed into official Taoist temples. The Fuxing Temple at the top of the hill and Ciyun Palace flourished during the Qing Dynasty.

Jade Emperor Hill lies between the West Lake and the Qiantang River at an altitude of 239 meters. It is towering and dramatic and becomes even more magnificent when contrasted by a blue sky and white clouds. When the wind rises and clouds skim across the hill, you can hear the sound of the wind around your ears and feel clouds and mist caress your face and fly away on the Dengyun Pavilion at the top of the hill.

Opening Hours: All day

Address: Near Yuhuangshan Park, West Lake Scenic Area, 1 Yuhuangshan Road, Xihu District