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Lake beauty spot steeped in history
By Wu Huixin |
December 3, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
GUSHAN, which means Solitary Hill in Chinese, was a natural islet on the West Lake featuring picturesque views and abundant historic relics. It connects with Bai Causeway in the east and Xiling Bridge in the west.
Early in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), famous poet Bai Juyi rhapsodized over the beauty of Gushan while governor of Hangzhou. In the Song (960-1279) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, emperors were also beguiled by Gushan and built palaces there.
In addition to emperors, many famous people have also made their homes on Gushan, and some are also buried there. Qiu Jin, Su Manshu and Chen Qimei, three revolutionary activists against the Qing Dynasty, were interred there. Locals erected statues to commemorate the martyrs.
Historically, Gushan has also been a site for schools. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, the then Zhejiang governor, Zhao Shilin, established Jingyi Academy to further the academic credentials of Hangzhou.
Although no longer a school, the building symbolizes the cultural heritage of Hangzhou at that time. Today it houses an exhibition about 10 Hangzhou scholars of the Qing Dynasty.
In addition to rich historic sites, Gushan also boasts famous scenic attractions. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, one of the top 10 scenic sites of West Lake, is located at the intersection of Gushan and Bai Causeway.
As Gushan is dotted with so many time-honored places, visitors often struggle to cover them all in a day. So Shanghai Daily has picked three sites which merit being high on a to-visit list.
Xiling Seal Society
The seal society, the largest of its kind in China, was the first academic society of seal-related learning and arts. It is situated in the south of Gushan facing West Lake.
Before its establishment, Zhejiang, as the center for seal-carving, was home to many small-sized organizations which were not officially registered. In order to give the art a seal of approval, seal artists from different schools founded Xiling Seal Society in 1904.
Its first resident was Wu Changshuo, a famous calligrapher, painter and seal maker who considered carving seals and painting to be integrated pursuits.
Nowadays, the society complex covers five square kilometers, containing the Calligraphy Stele Corridor, the Stone Archway, Shijiao Pavilion and other halls, caves and buildings featuring masters' seal works.
The Huayanjing Pagoda is the symbol of the Xiling Seal Society. It was built by a monk in 1924 and carved is with Buddha and scriptures.
Address: 31 Gushan Rd
Fanghe Pavilion
Fanghe, which means "release cranes," was built in memory of Lin Bu, a poet from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). One of the most famous poets in his time, Lin lived in recluse on Gushan for more than 20 years.
Lin was considered eccentric because he refused to hold office in government. Moreover, he remained single. When not writing poems, Lin spent his spare time planting plum trees and raising cranes, leading people to claim that he took plum as his wife and had cranes as sons.
Lin's great works won him nationwide fame. After his death, the then emperor gave him the title of "Hejing Master." Today, Lin's work and story ensure he still keeps an important place in Chinese history.
The Fanghe Pavilion was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) after Lin died. In later dynasties, poems and calligraphy works were written on the pavilion commemorating the poet.
Behind the Fanghe Pavilion is Lin's tomb, set among plum trees and bronze crane statues.
Address: In the northeast of Gushan
Lin Society
The building commemorates the life of Lin Qi (1839-1900), who was responsible for establishing several key schools in Hangzhou. It mixes Chinese and Western styles - upturned eaves next to cement walls. Nearby are two camphor trees that are more than 500 years old.
Among exhibits are several touch screens which people can use to learn about Lin and his achievements.
Lin was the mayor of Hangzhou for four years during the late Qing Dynasty. He established Qiushi Academy (now Zhejiang University), the Silkworm Breeding School (now Zhejiang University of Science and Technology) and Yangzheng School (now Hangzhou High School).
When Lin died in 1900, according to tradition his family should have taken his body back to birthplace in Fujian Province Instead they buried him in Hangzhou, as this was his last wish.
In 2003, the building was renamed Lin Society, and is also known as the Memorial Hall of Lin Qi. In front of the building is a bronze statue of Lin.
Address: 1 Hougushan Rd
Early in the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907), famous poet Bai Juyi rhapsodized over the beauty of Gushan while governor of Hangzhou. In the Song (960-1279) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, emperors were also beguiled by Gushan and built palaces there.
In addition to emperors, many famous people have also made their homes on Gushan, and some are also buried there. Qiu Jin, Su Manshu and Chen Qimei, three revolutionary activists against the Qing Dynasty, were interred there. Locals erected statues to commemorate the martyrs.
Historically, Gushan has also been a site for schools. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, the then Zhejiang governor, Zhao Shilin, established Jingyi Academy to further the academic credentials of Hangzhou.
Although no longer a school, the building symbolizes the cultural heritage of Hangzhou at that time. Today it houses an exhibition about 10 Hangzhou scholars of the Qing Dynasty.
In addition to rich historic sites, Gushan also boasts famous scenic attractions. Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake, one of the top 10 scenic sites of West Lake, is located at the intersection of Gushan and Bai Causeway.
As Gushan is dotted with so many time-honored places, visitors often struggle to cover them all in a day. So Shanghai Daily has picked three sites which merit being high on a to-visit list.
Xiling Seal Society
The seal society, the largest of its kind in China, was the first academic society of seal-related learning and arts. It is situated in the south of Gushan facing West Lake.
Before its establishment, Zhejiang, as the center for seal-carving, was home to many small-sized organizations which were not officially registered. In order to give the art a seal of approval, seal artists from different schools founded Xiling Seal Society in 1904.
Its first resident was Wu Changshuo, a famous calligrapher, painter and seal maker who considered carving seals and painting to be integrated pursuits.
Nowadays, the society complex covers five square kilometers, containing the Calligraphy Stele Corridor, the Stone Archway, Shijiao Pavilion and other halls, caves and buildings featuring masters' seal works.
The Huayanjing Pagoda is the symbol of the Xiling Seal Society. It was built by a monk in 1924 and carved is with Buddha and scriptures.
Address: 31 Gushan Rd
Fanghe Pavilion
Fanghe, which means "release cranes," was built in memory of Lin Bu, a poet from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). One of the most famous poets in his time, Lin lived in recluse on Gushan for more than 20 years.
Lin was considered eccentric because he refused to hold office in government. Moreover, he remained single. When not writing poems, Lin spent his spare time planting plum trees and raising cranes, leading people to claim that he took plum as his wife and had cranes as sons.
Lin's great works won him nationwide fame. After his death, the then emperor gave him the title of "Hejing Master." Today, Lin's work and story ensure he still keeps an important place in Chinese history.
The Fanghe Pavilion was originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) after Lin died. In later dynasties, poems and calligraphy works were written on the pavilion commemorating the poet.
Behind the Fanghe Pavilion is Lin's tomb, set among plum trees and bronze crane statues.
Address: In the northeast of Gushan
Lin Society
The building commemorates the life of Lin Qi (1839-1900), who was responsible for establishing several key schools in Hangzhou. It mixes Chinese and Western styles - upturned eaves next to cement walls. Nearby are two camphor trees that are more than 500 years old.
Among exhibits are several touch screens which people can use to learn about Lin and his achievements.
Lin was the mayor of Hangzhou for four years during the late Qing Dynasty. He established Qiushi Academy (now Zhejiang University), the Silkworm Breeding School (now Zhejiang University of Science and Technology) and Yangzheng School (now Hangzhou High School).
When Lin died in 1900, according to tradition his family should have taken his body back to birthplace in Fujian Province Instead they buried him in Hangzhou, as this was his last wish.
In 2003, the building was renamed Lin Society, and is also known as the Memorial Hall of Lin Qi. In front of the building is a bronze statue of Lin.
Address: 1 Hougushan Rd
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