Come to the famous mountains by West Lake in Hangzhou, reach the summit in 10 minutes!
Hangzhou is home to many famous mountains, such as Beigaofeng, Nangaofeng, Gushan, Jiuyue Mountain, Yuhuang Mountain, Phoenix Mountain, Baoshi Mountain, Daming Mountain, Wushan, Wuchao Mountain, and Yuewangcheng Mountain. Challenging any of these not only strengthens your body but also allows you to explore historical relics, making for an impromptu "cultural surprise trip" that is very popular!
Moreover, with the comfortable temperatures in autumn and winter, choosing a time to conquer a famous mountain is a great way to relax and enjoy life!
So, the question is, where should you go hiking? We recommend coming to Baoshi Mountain by West Lake in Hangzhou, where you can reach the summit in 10 minutes. Both day and night visits are free, and you can enjoy a panoramic view of West Lake at a glance. If you like it, you should definitely make a trip.
We are talking about Baoshi Mountain in Hangzhou, also known as Jushi Mountain or Shouxing Baoshi Mountain. It is 78 meters high and consists of rhyolite and tuff, types of igneous rock containing iron oxide, giving it a reddish-brown color. Under sunlight, it shines brilliantly like flowing clouds and colorful glows, resembling jade and agate. Hence the name Baoshi Mountain, praised as the "Gemstone Flowing Clouds," and it is one of the new ten scenic spots of West Lake. Also, because it is close to Beishan Street, it is very convenient for check-ins and visits, making it highly favored!
Today, Baoshi Mountain has become the most "visitor-friendly" mountain in Hangzhou, offering a sense of achievement from climbing without being too exhausting—just right. Now in autumn and winter, Baoshi Mountain welcomes a very comfortable hiking season, with scenic spots at every step and scattered stone carvings and ancient relics along the way, making it perfect for both day and night visits.
For first-timers conquering Baoshi Mountain, you can choose the "Lazy Route";
The itinerary is: Beishan Street — Baoshu Tower Front Mountain Road — Pure Age Book Bar (Baoshi Mountain branch) — Baoshu Tower — Shouxing Stone — Baoshi Mountain’s Best Panoramic Viewing Spot — Frog Peak — Chuyang Terrace — Baopu Daoist Temple [optional, ticket 5 yuan] — Downhill Path — Agate Temple [optional, also known as Lianheng Memorial Hall] — Beishan Street
This "Lazy Route" takes about 2 hours, starting and ending at Beishan Street, covering about one-fifth of Baoshi Mountain’s highlights. Along the way, you can witness the perfect blend of nature and culture at Baoshu Tower, enjoy the artistic conception of West Lake from Baoshi Mountain’s best panoramic spot, explore the profound Taoist culture at Baopu Daoist Temple, and experience the Chinese garden style at Agate Temple. So many novelties keep you fascinated, making it both exciting and pleasant!
Moreover, the biggest advantage of the "Lazy Route" is that it is suitable for both day and night visits, offering a unique charm and atmosphere.
Interestingly, on Baoshi Mountain, you may encounter many small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and cats, adding to the mountain’s fun.
If you have more time, you can also try the "Scenic Spot Tour" [takes 5 hours] or the "Mountain Loop Tour" [takes 6 hours];
The "Scenic Spot Tour" itinerary: Huanglong Cave Yuanyuan Folk Park [temporarily closed] — Baisha Spring — Chuyang Terrace — Baopu Daoist Temple [ticket 5 yuan] — Ziyun Cave — Qixia Cave — Foshi Rock — May Fourth Constitution Historical Exhibition Hall (Qixia Ridge Branch) — Huang Binhong Memorial Room — Yuewang Temple [ticket 30 yuan] — Beishan Street
The "Mountain Loop Tour" itinerary: Youth Palace Square — Baoshi Mountain Lower Alley — Great Stone Buddha Courtyard Statues — Baoshi Mountain Statues — Pure Age Book Bar (Baoshi Mountain branch) — Baoshu Tower — Shouxing Stone — Baoshi Mountain’s Best Panoramic Viewing Spot — Frog Peak — Baopu Daoist Temple [ticket 5 yuan] — Chuyang Terrace — Ziyun Cave — Qixia Cave — Shuangling Pavilion — May Fourth Constitution Historical Exhibition Hall (Qixia Ridge Branch) — Huang Binhong Memorial Room — Yuewang Temple [ticket 30 yuan] — Beishan Street
The former "Scenic Spot Tour" is a mountain-crossing journey where the mountain paths you step on carry nostalgic warmth, historical depth, and the sweetness of life. The latter "Mountain Loop Tour" circles West Lake, passing various cultural stone carvings, scenic spots, and panoramic views of West Lake. Truly, West Lake is like jade, and Hangzhou shines brilliantly!
Therefore, a trip to Baoshi Mountain in Hangzhou is full of fun!
Transportation
By car: Navigate to "Baoshi Mountain - Qianshan Ground Parking Lot," then walk 10 minutes uphill.
By bus: Take routes 7, 27, 277, WE1314, West Lake Inner Loop, West Lake Outer Loop, or West Lake Night Tour Sightseeing Bus · West Lake Ecological Sightseeing Bus to "Geling Station."
Practical information about Baoshi Mountain in Hangzhou:
Free admission, open all day, located in Baoshi Mountain, West Lake District, Hangzhou. Self-driving is recommended.
So, are you interested in Baoshi Mountain in Hangzhou? Feel free to leave comments and discuss!