Xianshan Mountain

　　   In ancient times, Xianshan had many scenic spots, such as the Xianting Pavilion built by Yin Kang during the Jin Dynasty, the Wuhua Pavilion constructed by Wei Jingxian between 753 and 755 (the 12th to 14th years of the Tianbao era of Tang), as well as the Gaofeng Hall, Jiake Shrine, Sanxian Shrine dedicated to historical figures, and the Yilaotang gathering place for literati—all creating an extremely serene and beautiful landscape.

　　   The most famous historical site on the mountain is the “Wapo Pavilion.” The Wapo (sunken wine cup) is situated at the summit of Xianshan, taking the form of a concave stone cup, 2 meters long and about 1.5 meters wide. Old records state that this cup “could hold five dou of wine.”

　　   During the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (713–741), Li Kuoqi, the great-grandson of Emperor Taizong, served as the Vice Magistrate of Huzhou. He often climbed Xianshan with friends, stored wine in the Wapo, and drank heartily with guests. In the early Tianbao era, Li Kuoqi was promoted to Right Minister, and the local people built the “Wapo Pavilion” at the spot where he used to visit. To this day, the ancient Wapo Pavilion stele remains preserved. The Wapo stele is 2 meters tall, with half of it buried underground.

　　   In the seventh year of the Tang Dali era (772), Yan Zhenqing served as the Prefect of Huzhou. During his tenure, he invited 29 notable scholars including Lu Yu and Jiao Ran to ascend Xianshan. They gathered around the Wapo stone, set up a circular drinking area, gazed into the distance, and were inspired to compose poetry, resulting in a joint poetic work with these scholars.

　　   Today, the “Climbing Xianshan and Viewing Prime Minister Li’s Stone Cup Joint Poem” by Yan Zhenqing is included in the Complete Tang Poems. Each line is in five-character verse, totaling 29 stanzas and 58 lines, comprising 290 characters, marking a significant literary gathering of renowned scholars in Huzhou's history.

　　   In modern times, the southern foot of Xianshan Mountain is the site of the tomb of Chen Yingshi, a martyr of the Xinhai Revolution. In 1986, a revolutionary martyrs' cemetery was also established here.