Book · 1 page

Geography: Twin Peaks Piercing the Clouds

by Wayfarer

West of West Lake, mountain ridges stretch on, forming twin peaks, North and South, some ten li apart. Clouds rise over the South Peak before the rain, and clear from the North Peak as the sky first mellows—resembling nothing so much as twin peaks piercing the clouds. Upon the North Peak stands Lingyin Temple, where a lofty pagoda was built during the Tianbao era of the Tang, now restored by the Qian clan. The South Peak likewise bears a pagoda, raised by monks of the Wuyue Region to enshrine sacred relics, its Buddhist chants unceasing. From atop either peak, one may behold the lake and hills of Hangzhou in full splendor; and among the mountain's many caves grow fragrant teas—many a traveler, staff in hand, lingers long in search of a cup, loath to depart.