Hangzhou Wushan Chenghuang Pavilion: A Panoramic View of Rivers, Mountains, Lakes, and the City

In the urban landscape of Hangzhou, the Chenghuang Pavilion shines like a brilliant pearl, perched atop Wushan Mountain, narrating legendary tales spanning millennia. The history of Chenghuang Pavilion dates back to the Chenghuang Temple of the Northern Song Dynasty. After the Southern Song Dynasty established its capital in Lin'an (modern-day Hangzhou), the worship of Chenghuang flourished, and the temple was relocated to Wushan Mountain. Emperors of the Song Dynasty repeatedly conferred titles upon the Wushan Chenghuang deity. During the Ming Dynasty's Yongle era, Zhou Xin, the provincial surveillance commissioner of Zhejiang, was enshrined as the Chenghuang deity. The current Chenghuang Pavilion was constructed in 1998 and opened to the public in 2000. The Chenghuang Pavilion is a seven-story antique-style structure, standing 41.6 meters tall, blending architectural styles from the Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties. It features two elevators that take visitors directly to the top. From a distance, the pavilion rises majestically above the clouds, a sight of grandeur. Some say it rivals the Tengwang Pavilion, one of the "Three Great Towers of Jiangnan." Stepping into the Chenghuang Pavilion feels like traveling back in time to the bustling capital of the Southern Song Dynasty. The first floor houses the treasure of the pavilion: the "Southern Song Hangzhou Cityscape," a large three-dimensional hardwood colored sculpture painting. Measuring 31.5 meters long, 3.65 meters high, and 2 meters deep, it vividly recreates the imperial palaces, government offices, residential houses, streets, bridges, and daily life scenes of various social classes in Lin'an during the Southern Song Dynasty, featuring over 3,500 figures and 1,000 buildings. The second floor displays Ou-style sculptures and a series of line-engraved stone paintings depicting historical events, folk tales, and anecdotes related to Wushan Mountain. The third floor hosts a teahouse where visitors can enjoy tea while admiring the scenic views of lakes and mountains outside the window. The best observation deck is on the fourth floor, offering an expansive view. A walk around the pavilion reveals Hangzhou's stunning landscapes of rivers, mountains, lakes, and the city. Gazing into the distance, a magnificent panorama of "cloud-capped mountains on three sides and the city on one" unfolds. To the north lies West Lake, its shimmering waters dotted with leisurely boats, while Leifeng Pagoda stands silently across the lake. To the east, the bustling cityscape unfolds with Yan'an Road's traffic and the vibrant Wulin Square, alongside the imposing Hangzhou Gate. To the west, layers of mist-shrouded peaks resemble a natural ink painting. 📍Address: Wushan Chenghuang Pavilion Scenic Area, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang [MapleLeaf]Ticket Price: 30 RMB