Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds in Hangzhou

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds in Hangzhou

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds Facts

Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds refers to South Peak and North Peak at the West Lake Scenic Spot. In reality, neither peak is very high. South Peak is 256.9 meters (843 feet) in height, and North Peak is 355 meters (1,165 feet). They face each other across a distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).

Chinese Name: 双峰插云

Type: Top Ten Sights of the West Lake

Address: West Lake, Hangzhou

Best Seasons: All year round; Spring and autumn best.

Recommended Visiting Hours: about 2-3 hours

Opening Hours: 7:30-19:00

Ticket: CNY 30

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Why is Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds So Special?

Amid top 10 scenic spots,“Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds” has been familiar to many people, as the highest place in Lin’an City over 800 years ago in Southern Song Dynasty.

Brief Introduction of Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

The ‘Twin Peaks’ refers to the South Peak and North Peak. The natural scenery here is exceptionally beautiful, especially when it is cloudy or foggy. At that time, only the tops of the two peaks can be seen above the thick clouds. It looks as if the clouds are being pierced by the two peaks, hence the name ‘Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds’. The south peak has an altitude of 257 meters (834 feet), while the north peak is 355 meters (1,165 feet) high. They mirror each other across a distance of about 5 kilometers (3 miles). Seen from afar, the two peaks are like two friends hand in hand.

History of Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

Long ago, Buddhist pagodas and temples were constructed on the two peaks. On a cloudy day, the tops of the pagodas were hidden in the white clouds. After a while, they would reappear when the clouds were blown away. Seen from afar, it looked like the two peaks were playing a game with clouds. It was very interesting and fascinating! Later, this scenic spot became a famous tourist attraction and was listed as one of the top ten scenes of West Lake in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Over the years the pagodas were stricken by lightning, and eventually collapsed. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Emperor Kangxi renamed the area ‘Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds’, and erected a pavilion near Hongchun Bridge on Lingyin Road, which is the best place to view the scene. Since then, the scenic spot has regained its fame and popularity.

Main Attractions of Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

The south peak lies to the southwest of West Lake. Narrow winding paths lead you to its top, where you can have a panoramic view of all the natural beauty of the lake. Climbing the precipitous cliff is very challenging and exciting! The fresh air will make you feel relaxed!

The north peak is where the Lingyin Temple (Temple of Soul’s Retreat) is located. You can ascend the peak along the stone steps to the west of the temple. The crystal clear streams, huge strange-shaped rocks, lush vegetations along the way will give you an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature. In addition, there is also a cableway on the east side of the peak. It can take you to the top within three minutes.

What To Do in The Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

In the present time, people often climb the hills for exercise and to enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Lake from a distance. They can enjoy the green grass and delicate buds of trees in spring, admire the fragrant wild flowers in summer, appreciate red maple leaves in autumn, and admire the display of the pure white peaks in winter. When it is about to rain, people can enjoy the two peaks covered with white clouds – Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds. It is hard to tell the misty hills from the clouds. What people see is like a charming landscape painting. The beautiful scenery will take their breath away.

Recommended Tour Packages

Best Seasons to Visit Hangzhou

  • Many people in China believe that spring and autumn are the two best seasons to visit Hangzhou, specially late March-May and September-mid November.
  • In these seasons, temperature is warm but not hot. Daytime temperature ranges from mid 10s to mid 20s centigrade, and night time temperature ranges from low 10s to low 20s.
  • Spring is the best season to visit the West Lake because all kinds of flowers are blossoming that time. In order: plum blossom, peach blossom, and cherry blossom.
  • Autumn is also very nice and my favorite because of the yellow and red leaves.
  • However, I suggest avoiding the last week of September and the first 2 weeks of October because that’s when the city becomes packed with tourists from the golden week holidays.

How to get to Baochu Pagoda in Hangzhou

Travel with ChinaDragonTours (top recommended)

If you want to get out of the traffic and hassle of navigation, you can book a private tour package that includes visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local guide and driver will escort you to Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds in Hangzhou in the fastest and most convenient way and take care of all the details. You just have to focus on the visiting.

Independent Traveler

Take bus 7, 27, 87, 103b, 103, 117, 807, or jy6 to Hongchunqiao Station, and walk south for about 200 meters (220 yards).

Useful Travel Tips

  1. Avoid visiting during school holidays and Golden Week in October as there will be large numbers of local tourists.
  2. Accommodation
    If you need to stay near here, the following hotels can be used as a reference: Shusheng Longjing Hotel, Yitang Homestay, Qingzhilian Green Valley Boutique Inn, xJNBYHOME, Sushe Hotel, West Lake Guishu Homestay, etc.

Nearby Attractions

Edited by Bella Ren/任新月