Songpu Mountain

Songpu Mountain

Shuangfeng Mountain in Dongzhu Qiaoyue, Chian Town, is the highest peak around the central axis of Zhejiang. Songpu Mountain forms part of the northern section of Shuangfeng Mountain.

Following a quiet forest trail up to the mountainside, you’ll find a leftward path that descends along uneven stone steps to a place called Qiaoxia. Looking up, you’ll see precipitous cliffs — naturally sculpted — towering into the sky, with the two sides of the gorge separated by only a few inches. The bottom of the gorge is divided into three sections by three huge rocks. A clear spring flows through the gorge, and a waterfall over a hundred meters high crashes against the rocks, sending up sprays and foam in a spectacular display.

On the cliff face at the mouth of the gorge, there are four elegant and neatly carved characters from the Song Dynasty: “Song Pu Quan Shi” (Pine Waterfall Spring Stone). Due to the passage of time, they are no longer very clear. Nearby, there are also inscriptions such as “This is a worldly realm beyond the dust; why enter? Steep cliffs and deep valleys; the excellent water is crystal clear; come sit in meditation; the craggy rocks shelter many hermits; in spring, repair the banks and hoe the wild paths.”

Exiting Qiaoxia and climbing upward about 50 steps, you’ll find a thousand steep stone steps rising straight like a ladder to the clouds. When you look up, you can even see the soles of the feet of people walking ahead. Known as “Hundred Steps Precipice,” it was once a mountain pass on an ancient battlefield.

Standing on the rocks, gazing into the distance at the lush, overlapping mountain hues, one can’t help but feel a sense of mystery and wonder. Indeed, not just Songpu Mountain, but the entire Qiaoyue mountain range is dotted with uniquely scenic spots imbued with magical charm, earning its reputation for being “a vista of emerald hues cradling lucid waters.”

“With clouds draping over the layered rocks that tug at the soul,” it forms a distinctive landscape.

Transportation

Starting from North Chouzhou Road and heading northeast, walk 0.5 km along North Chouzhou Road, then turn right onto Yinhai Road. Walk 1.4 km along Yinhai Road, then turn right onto S37. Drive 3.6 km along S37, then go straight onto the Yongjin Expressway. Drive 10.8 km along the Yongjin Expressway, then turn left onto Jiangnan East Road. Walk 2.8 km along Jiangnan East Road, then turn right, walk 3.6 km, then turn left, and after 17.4 km, you will reach your destination.