Clear Snow on Western Hills

Clear Snow on Western Hills

is one of the Eight Views of Yanjing. The Clear Snow on Western Hills mainly refers to the snow scenery of the Western Hills. The Western Hills mountain range in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing has long been known as the "Right Arm of the Divine Capital." As early as the Jin Dynasty, there were mentions of the snow-covered Western Hills. The Western Hills refer to the continuous mountain ranges in the western suburbs of Beijing, which are an extension of the Taihang Mountains. The snow scenery also broadly refers to this area. Fragrant Hills is a typical peak in this area, which is why Emperor Qianlong erected the Clear Snow on Western Hills stele on the mountainside of Fragrant Hills.

It is said that one day, after viewing the snow on the Western Hills, Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty was returning to the capital. Upon reaching the Forbidden City, he ascended the imperial throne and prepared to descend from his carriage when, upon lifting his head, he noticed the sky had cleared after the snow. He then straightened his posture, gazed into the distance with his imperial eyes, and used the hand that ruled the nation to shield his eyes as he looked toward the Western Hills. There, he saw the mountains arrayed like jade, peaks linked like crystal, sunlight shining down, red clouds reflecting off the snow, green rocks gleaming like treasures—all blanketed in silver, an extraordinarily magnificent sight. Delighted, he softly opened his lips and remarked, "The Western Hills stand as an imperial screen, solidifying the nation; the snow nourishes the land, ensuring prosperity." His ministers echoed his words, lavishing praise. Among them, those skilled at stirring enthusiasm summarized the scene as "Snow-Covered Western Hills" and spread it both inside and outside the palace. Since the description was quite fitting, it became widely accepted as common knowledge, and "Snow-Covered Western Hills" set the precedent for praising the winter scenery of Fragrant Hills.

Originally named "Snow-Covered Western Hills," it was renamed "Clear Snow on Western Hills" during the Yuan Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, it was again called "Snow-Clearing on Western Hills." During the Qing Dynasty under Emperor Qianlong, the Yuan-era name was restored. The scenic stele is still located in the Summer Palace on the northern side of Banshan Pavilion and to the right of the Chaoyang Cave mountain path. Whenever the winter snow first clears, whether looking up at the mountains from below or down at the plains from above, the jade-like trees and crystal peaks stretch endlessly, creating an open and expansive view. Staff from the Summer Palace management say that the Clear Snow on Western Hills stele remains intact in its original place, but because the ancient pines and cypresses of the Western Hills grow very densely, visitors often have trouble finding the stone tablet. To address this, the park management has set up directional signs to guide tourists. In recent years, the frequency of snowfall in Beijing has decreased, but visitors remain particularly fond of the "Clear Snow on Western Hills" view. After snowfall, the Western Hills often attract many sightseers.

The Western Hills boast beautiful scenery and have been a gathering place for temples since the Tang and Song Dynasties. The famous Eight Gardens of the Western Hills in the Jin Dynasty were landscaped gardens established during that period. The "Snow-Covered Western Hills" was a renowned post-snow landscape at the time. Historical records indicate that over eight hundred years ago, Emperor Shizong of the Jin Dynasty built the Great Yong’an Temple in the Fragrant Hills area and also constructed a temporary imperial palace. Later, his direct grandson and successor, Emperor Zhangzong Wanyan Yong, successively built structures such as the Star-Worshiping Platform and the Scenic Gathering Tower here. It seems beyond dispute that this is where Emperor Zhangzong designated the Snow-Covered Western Hills scenic spot. One can imagine that after a fresh snowfall and clearing skies, standing atop this spot and looking into the distance, the jade-like mountains and crystal peaks stretch out, sunlight shining brilliantly, presenting a magnificent red-and-white spectacle. It could be said that "Clear Snow" is more poetic and picturesque than "Snow-Covered."

Xianyu Biren, the son of the famous Yuan Dynasty calligrapher Xianyu Shu, once composed a poem about the Eight Views of Yanjing, including one titled "Clear Snow on Western Hills," which describes: "Jade-like and towering, majestic above the capital; cliffs like silver, layered stones flying like crystal. The land displays its mighty frontier, the heavens unfold a painting, windows lined like a screen. Dawn’s colors flow with shadows of clouds, frozen sunlight silent on old trees. Drunken eyes take in the sight in awe—woodcutters return, their straw capes a verdant green."