West Lake Lingshan Scenic Area

West Lake Lingshan Scenic Area

The West Lake Lingshan Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Hangzhou's Lingshan Scenic Area is located to the south of Xihu District, about 12 kilometers from the West Lake Scenic Area. Covering an area of 12.17 square kilometers, the site combines the "lofty, grand, peculiar, and perilous" features of a single cave with the integration of "wind, water, air, and waterfall," making it one of the finest open karst caves in China.

Lingshan Cave, also known as the "Lingshan Fantasy Land," was historically called the "Cloud Spring Spirit Cave." Poets and scholars from the Tang and Song dynasties such as Fan Zhongyan, Su Dongpo, and Zhu Xi frequently visited the site, leaving behind numerous relics. After visiting the cave, Bai Juyi wrote the line, “Before entering the Cloud Spring path, I first heard the welcoming bell.” Inside the cave stands the world’s second tallest and Asia’s tallest giant stalagmite, the "Heavenly Pillar Peak," which reaches a height of 24.5 meters.

Lingshan Cave has a history of over 1,500 years. Unlike other caves, it is vertical-shaft style, with a height difference of 109 meters and a total area of more than 4,000 square meters. It consists of five chambers: Qilin Welcoming Guests, Underwater Cave Heaven, Match Kunlun, Heavenly Pillar Hall, and Great Cloud Basin. The stalactites take on a myriad of forms — resembling flowers, fruits, birds, beasts, immortals lying down, tigers and rabbits running — all lifelike. Highlights include the spectacular scenes of “Silken Brocade,” “Palace Halls Unfurled,” and “Jade Lotus Waterfall.” The "Lingshan Fantasy" is famed for combining grandeur, peculiarity, and peril within a single cave, merging wind, water, air, and waterfall elements. The Lingshan Scenic Area comprises 24 karst caves including Lingshan Cave, Spring Water Cave, Fengshui Cave, and Kongli Kong Cave. The area features layered peaks, blooming mountain flowers, and richly beautiful landscapes that are exceptionally enticing.

Lingshan Cave is located within Hangzhou’s Xihu District, at the site of the formerly famous “Ten Scenes of Hubu.” About 15 kilometers from downtown, this historic Yunquan Mountain Cave still preserves the seal script inscription “Yunquan Spirit Cave” carved into the cliff face by Hangzhou Prefect Zu Wuzhi in the second year of the Xining era of the Song Dynasty (1069). Poets and men of letters from the Tang and Song dynasties such as Bai Juyi, Fan Zhongyan, Su Dongpo, and Zhu Xi often visited here and left their marks.

Outside Lingshan Cave stands the Grand Lingshan Buddha. Historical records indicate that over 2,000 years ago during the Jin Dynasty, a temple was built here, believed to have been reconstructed from the former residence of alchemist Ge Hong. During the Tang Dynasty, it was bestowed the name “En De Temple,” and in the Song Dynasty it was renamed “Ci Yan Temple,” enjoying thriving incense offerings.

The Lingshan Scenic Area consists of attractions such as Lingshan Fantasy (Lingshan Cave), Immortal Bridge Water Music (Immortal Bridge Cave), the Lingshan Giant Buddha, the Drum Music Path, and the Sea-View Pavilion. The scenic area encompasses the world’s karst cave wonders, integrating “wind, water, clouds, and waterfall” elements, and is hailed as the “Number One Cave Paradise of West Lake.” Its picturesque stone landscapes and pristine ecological environment captivate visitors. Additionally, there is the undeveloped natural mountain basin of Dawu, surrounded by mountains, offering tranquility, lush trees, and fresh air. It is known as the “Land of Peach Blossoms” by West Lake and is the birthplace of "Jiuhu Red Plum Tea," one of China’s top ten famous teas.

Transportation

1. Take bus No. 510 from Hangzhou’s Youdian Road and get off at “Lingshan Cave.” The first bus departs at 7:00 AM, the last at 4:00 PM, with a 40-minute interval. (Bus No. 510 is a scheduled service between Youdian Road and Lingshan Cave. Specific departure times from Youdian Road are: 7:00, 8:20, 9:50, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. From Lingshan Cave: 8:00, 9:20, 10:50, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00.)

2. Depart from downtown Hangzhou, head toward Six Harmonies Pagoda, take National Highway 320, then transfer to the Hangzhou-Fuyang Riverside Highway. Follow the signs to reach the scenic area.

3. Exit at the Zhuan Tang interchange of the Hangzhou Ring Expressway, head toward West Lake, and follow the scenic area signs to arrive.

Self-Driving Route

1. Depart from downtown Hangzhou, head toward Six Harmonies Pagoda, take National Highway 320, then transfer to the Hangzhou-Fuyang Riverside Highway. Follow the signs to reach Lingshan Cave Scenic Area.

2. Exit at the Zhuan Tang interchange of the Hangzhou Ring Expressway, head toward West Lake, and follow the scenic area signs to reach Lingshan Cave Scenic Area.