Liuyu Mountain Retreat

Liuyu Mountain Retreat

Liuyu Mountain Retreat was originally located at the northern foot of South Peak and was a renowned garden landscape in the Qing Dynasty. Historical records describe a path leading up from Liutong Temple, where among trees and bushes, uniquely shaped rocks stood in great profusion. A spring cascaded down the rocky cliff, several zhang high (approx. 10 meters), with water droplets flying like pearls and jade, plunging straight onto the cliff stones. The collision of water and rock produced sounds like a zither. The retreat was situated beside the spring. To the left of the spring, one could climb to the top to reach a building named “White Cloud Nest,” while to the west of the building stood an observation terrace called “Flowing View Terrace,” with a three-room hall situated beneath it. In the 22nd year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1757), Emperor Qianlong visited this site and bestowed the name “Liuyu Mountain Retreat” (literally “Retreat of Leftover Mountains”), which has been used ever since. Nearby, additional structures were built, including the River Pavilion and Listening to the Spring Pavilion (one of the Eighteen Scenic Spots of West Lake inscribed by Emperor Qianlong). In 2004, the landscape was reconstructed near its original location according to ancient texts that documented the layout of Liuyu Mountain Retreat, retaining its original name. At the same time, the water system was restored, artificial hills were added, and new couplets and plaques were installed to recreate the historic scenery.

Transportation: Take Bus Y6 to the foot of Santai Mountain.

Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Santai Mountain Community: Established in March 2001, Santai Mountain Community is located within the West Lake Scenic Area, covering a total area of 8 square kilometers. The community spans five villages: Weng, Long, Man, Yang, and Shuangfeng. Residential areas are scattered, with a mix of rural and urban housing. The terrain is rugged and mountainous, making it a typical urban village community. It currently has 1,236 households and a total population of 3,184. Major institutions in the area include: China National Tea Museum, the Provincial Foreign Affairs Office, provincial and municipal trade union sanatoriums, Zhejiang Hotel, Huagang HNA Resort Hotel, Huajia Mountain Villa, and the Air Force Sanatorium. Notable scenic spots include: Tiger Running Spring, Longjing Tea Culture Village, Man... More detailed information about Santai Mountain Community ++