White Stone Fairy Terrace

White Stone Fairy Terrace

To the north of Guzi Lake lies a mountain, named White Stone Mountain due to the predominantly white rocks on its surface. The mountain is covered with exposed white stones, dotted with green pines, and boasts a delicate, steep, and uniquely striking appearance. The northern slope features cliffs as sheer as walls, making the climb to the summit extremely strenuous, while the southern side has a gentler incline, allowing for a more effortless ascent. Halfway up the mountain, there is a flat rock slope of about sixty square meters, providing a perfect spot to rest.

From the summit of White Stone Mountain, one can gaze into the distance and take in the vast fertile plains, sprawling farmlands, rivers like ribbons, and paths like threads. On a clear day with high skies and light clouds, the bustling city of Ningbo appears hazy, and the Tianfeng Pagoda can be faintly made out. Legend has it that when the Eight Immortals crossed the sea, they once lingered here to admire the view. Two fairy maidens were also said to have played chess on this mountain but were accidentally spotted by a shepherd boy. The boy, awed by their extraordinary presence, dared not show himself until the fairies ascended into the clouds and the mist cleared, revealing the celestial scene. Hence, this slope is named White Stone Fairy Terrace. From the summit, you can also enjoy a sweeping view of the scenery of Dongqian Lake.

The trails up White Stone Mountain are steep and winding, and even novice hikers may find themselves breathless before reaching the halfway point. But the most rewarding moment of the climb is undoubtedly the instant you reach the summit. Standing in the Lake-View Pavilion, with a gentle breeze brushing against you and the rustling of pine trees in your ears, you can look out over the crisscrossing fields, dense river networks, and scattered villages, as well as the vast, misty expanse of Qian Lake.

At such moments, you too become a part of the mountain, wandering with the drifting clouds and dancing with time, as if transcending the real world. All the usual worldly troubles suddenly seem trivial and small. In these moments, you are free of all constraints. Facing the green mountains and clear waters, your thoughts stretch across millennia, and in quiet understanding, you gain an indescribable sense of wonder in life.

Only at such times can you truly grasp the unadulterated joy behind the ancient tradition of climbing heights on the Double Ninth Festival, beyond its folk cultural motivations. Only then can you truly appreciate the profound emotions and soulful solace expressed in so many Tang and Song dynasty poems depicting the act of ascending heights.

Address: North of Guzi Lake, Yinzhou District, Ningbo City

Type: Mountain

Recommended visiting time: About 1 hour

Opening hours:

Open all day

Ticket information:

No admission fee.