Jixianting — Attraction in Hangzhou City

Perched gracefully over West Lake’s waters, Jixian Pavilion (集贤亭) is more than just a scenic photo spot — it’s a piece of Hangzhou’s living history. Its origins trace back to an early structure known as the “Black Pavilion,” later rebuilt in 1726 by Zhejiang Governor Li Wei as a shooting pavilion for Qing Dynasty military reviews. The Qianlong Emperor visited here during his southern tours, turning it into one of the celebrated “Eighteen Scenic Spots of West Lake” under the name “Pavilion Bay Archery.” The pavilion’s present name comes from a line in Wang Xizhi’s Lanting Precepts, meaning “where the worthy gather.” Though it has collapsed and been rebuilt multiple times — most recently after a storm in 2012 — Jixian Pavilion continues to embody the union of natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering visitors panoramic lake views framed by centuries of poetic and...

Jixianting on Hangzhou's West Lake is a captivating masterpiece, seamlessly merging art and nature. The "Listening to the Orioles Singing in the Willows" Pavilion, as its name translates, is an architectural gem surrounded by lush greenery. This scenic spot offers a serene escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquil melody of the orioles while enjoying panoramic views of the lake. The pavilion's design, inspired by classical Chinese aesthetics, adds cultural richness to the experience. Jixianting stands as a testament to the poetic allure of Hangzhou's West Lake, where visitors can find solace and inspiration amidst the harmonious blend of architecture and...

The pavilion offers a great camera shot with the West Lake as the background. However, the surrounding area is the most touristy and maybe noisiest of the whole lake region. Take your photo shot and then move quickly to quieter corners of the lake, such as 浴鹘湾、茅家埠、西里湖、曲院风荷、云栖竹径。Alternatively, come in winter when you can and roll a big snow ball on to the Pavillon when visiitors are far and...