Sunny Snow on the Western Hills

　　     is one of the Eight Views of Yanjing. The Sunny Snow on the Western Hills primarily refers to the snow scenery of the Western Hills. The mountain range in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing, known as the "right arm of the divine capital," has been associated with snow since the Jin Dynasty. As early as that time, there were descriptions of snow-covered Western Hills. The term “Western Hills” refers to the continuous mountain range in the western suburbs of Beijing, a branch of the Taihang Mountains. The snow scenery also broadly refers to this area. Fragrant Hill is a typical peak in this region, so Emperor Qianlong erected the Sunny Snow on the Western Hills stele halfway up the hill.

　　     It is said that one day, after returning from viewing the snow on the Western Hills, Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty was on his way back to the capital. Upon entering the Forbidden City, ascending the imperial throne, and preparing to descend from the royal carriage, he suddenly looked up and saw the sky had cleared after the snow. He straightened his posture, lifted his imperial gaze, and with the hand that governed the nation, slowly shielded his eyes to gaze toward the Western Hills. There, the mountains appeared like jade formations, peaks linked with ice, sunlight shining down, red clouds reflecting off the snow, and green stones glimmering like treasures—all under a blanket of silvery white, an extraordinarily magnificent sight. Delighted, he slightly opened his lips and remarked, “The Western Hills stand as a screen for the eternal land, and the snow enriches the nation’s prosperity.” His ministers echoed his words, lavishing praise. Among them, some eager to make a stir summarized it as “Snow on the Western Hills,” spreading the phrase both inside and outside the palace. Since the description was quite fitting, it became widely accepted, and “Snow on the Western Hills” initiated the tradition of praising the winter scenery of Fragrant Hill.

　　     Originally named “Snow on the Western Hills,” it was changed to “Sunny Snow on the Western Hills” during the Yuan Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed “Clearing Snow on the Western Hills.” During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong restored the name used in the Yuan Dynasty. The scenic stele is still located in the Summer Palace, to the north of the Halfway Pavilion and on the right side of the Chaoyang Cave mountain path. Whenever the winter snow first clears, whether looking up at the mountains from below or gazing down at the plains from above, the jade-like trees and crystal peaks stretch endlessly, creating an open and expansive view. Staff from the Summer Palace management say that the “Sunny Snow on the Western Hills” stele remains intact in its original location, but due to the dense growth of ancient pines and cypresses on the Western Hills, visitors often find it difficult to locate the stone tablet. To address this, the park management has set up several directional signs to guide visitors. In recent years, the frequency of snowfall in Beijing has decreased, but visitors remain particularly fond of the “Sunny Snow on the Western Hills.” After snowfall, the Western Hills often attract many sightseers.

　　     The Western Hills boast beautiful scenery and have been a gathering place for temples since the Tang and Song Dynasties. The famous Eight Gardens of the Western Hills in the Jin Dynasty were landscaped gardens established during that period. “Snow on the Western Hills” was a renowned post-snow landscape of the time. Historical records indicate that over eight hundred years ago, Emperor Shizong of the Jin Dynasty built the Grand Yong’an Temple in the Fragrant Hill area and also constructed a temporary imperial palace. Later, his direct grandson, Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty (Wanyan Yongji), who directly succeeded him, successively built structures such as the Star Worship Platform and the Scenic Gathering Tower here. It seems indisputable that this is where Emperor Zhangzong designated the Snow on the Western Hills as a scenic spot. One can imagine that after each snowfall, when the skies cleared, from this vantage point one could gaze into the distance and see the jade-like mountains and crystal peaks, the sunlight shining, all under a red-and-white-clad expanse—truly magnificent. It could be said that “Clearing Snow” is more poetic and picturesque than “Snow.”

　　     The famous Yuan Dynasty calligrapher and son of Xian Yu Shu, Xian Yu Bi Ren, once composed a poem about the Eight Views of Yanjing, including one titled “Sunny Snow on the Western Hills,” which describes: “Jade-like and towering, standing guard over the divine capital; cliffs arrayed in silver, layered rocks flying like jade. The land unfolds like a mighty frontier, the heavens open like a painting, windows lined like a screen. Dawn’s colors flow with shadows of clouds, frozen light shines silently on old trees. Drunken eyes take in the sight in awe, as woodcutters return home, their straw capes a verdant green.”