Gemstone-Draped Clouds

Gemstone-Draped Clouds

Gemstone-Draped Clouds

Gemstone Hill faces West Lake and serves as a natural barrier on the northern side of the lake. It was originally named Shimu Mountain but has also been known as Baoshu Mountain, Baosuo Mountain, Shizhen Mountain, Jushi Mountain, and Guta Mountain. The hill’s rock surfaces are exposed, formed from igneous rocks such as tuff and rhyolite, which showcase a variety of colors. When illuminated by the rosy light of dawn or dusk, these rocks shimmer like gemstones, earning the name Gemstone Hill. Especially during the early morning glow or under the setting sun, the graceful Baoshu Pagoda and the purplish-brown rocky slopes create a captivating scene of misty colors and radiant hues, leading to its name “Gemstone-Draped Clouds,” and its inclusion among the “New Ten Scenes of West Lake.”

Baoshu Pagoda was first built during the Tang Dynasty but later collapsed. During the Five Dynasties period, Qian Hongchu, the king of the Wuyue Kingdom, was summoned to the capital (Bianjing) in support of the unification efforts of the Northern Song Dynasty. In an effort to ensure his safe return, Prime Minister Wu Yanshuang rebuilt a pagoda on the site of the original Tang-era tower on Gemstone Hill and renamed it “Baoshu Pagoda.” The current structure was reconstructed in 1933, consisting of seven tiers and standing approximately 45 meters tall. The slender and elegant pagoda resembles a peerless beauty, making it an iconic landmark of West Lake. Particularly at dawn, when set against the floating clouds and colorful skies, the pagoda atop the undulating peaks of Gemstone Hill—which resemble a phoenix in flight—forms a harmonious and breathtaking composition.

Gemstone Hill also features historical sites and scenic spots such as Laifeng Pavilion, Shouxing Rock, Jinzi Peak, and the Stone Where Emperor Qin Tied His Boat. Nearby Geling Hill is said to be the place where the Daoist immortal Ge Hong (also known as Ge Xuan) practiced alchemy and wrote his works. To this day, relics such as the Gexian Hermitage, Liudan Valley, Huandan Ancient Well, Baopu Cottage, and the ruins of Chuyangtai can still be found.

Gemstone-Draped Clouds is located on Gemstone Hill along the northern shore of West Lake. Originally named Shimu Mountain, it has also been called Baoshu Mountain, Baosuo Mountain, Shizhen Mountain, Jushi Mountain, and Guta Mountain. The hill consists of igneous rocks, mainly tuff and rhyolite, whose colors resemble jade and agate when illuminated by sunlight. The hill is home to a collection of uniquely shaped rocks, including Yiyun Rock, Tunxia Rock, Fengxiang Rock, and Luoxing Rock. The latter was named Shouxing Rock by King Qian of the Wuyue Kingdom. Hence, it is called “Gemstone Hill.” Especially during the early morning when the sunrise first appears or in the glow of the setting sun, the colorful and enchanting view created by the Baoshu Pagoda and the purplish-brown rocky slopes gave rise to the name “Gemstone-Draped Clouds.”

Gemstone Hill attracts visitors with its graceful and striking Baoshu Pagoda, its diverse and fascinating stone formations, and the spectacular sunrise view from Chuyangtai. When the red glow of dawn spills over Gemstone Hill, the small rocks appear as if they are sparkling gemstones, thus earning the name “Gemstone Hill.” As you ascend the shaded steps, the greenery of the hill envelops you. Once at the summit, to the south lies the rippling waters of the lake; to the north, open plains and rows of buildings; to the east, bustling streets and lively commerce; and to the west, layers of green mountains that stretch toward the blue sky. From the lake, the small red pavilion near Baoshu Pagoda resembles the plume of a phoenix’s crest, and is thus named “Laifeng Pavilion,” which was once listed as one of the Eighteen Scenes of West Lake. To the west of Laifeng Pavilion lies Chuanzheng Cave, flanked by steep cliffs and capped by a strip of blue sky. Beyond the cave, the scenery suddenly opens up as you arrive at Geling Hill, a serene and refreshing retreat where emerald moss glistens. The uniquely shaped rockeries, much like the peculiar stones of Gemstone Hill, are equally mesmerizing.