If you ever find yourself in Hangzhou, don’t stop at the dreamy West Lake views. Tucked at the foot of Solitary Hill lies a true hidden gem—Xiling Seal Art Society. This peaceful garden sanctuary isn’t just beautiful; it’s a living museum of ancient Chinese seal engraving, calligraphy, and stone inscription. As a longtime Hangzhou local, I’m here to guide you through it with ease. Get ready for a walk through time, culture, and quiet beauty—plus a few delightful surprises you won’t find in typical guidebooks.
1. The Legacy of Xiling Seal Art Society
Before I stepped through the gates of Xiling Seal Art Society, I thought I was just visiting another garden in Hangzhou. But the moment I entered, I felt it—this place breathes history.
Founded in 1904 during the late Qing Dynasty, the Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society was more than a gathering of artists. It was a movement. A group of Zhejiang seal Engravers, including Ding Fuzhi and Wu Changshuo, came together with one mission: to preserve the ancient arts of seal carving, calligraphy, and stone inscriptions.
First led by the famed artist Wu Changshuo, the Society quickly became China’s most influential hub for traditional arts. Today, it’s known worldwide as the “Number One Seal Society Under Heaven.”
Nestled on the quiet western slope of Solitary Hill, right by West Lake’s shimmering waters, its location is just as poetic as its mission. The garden covers nearly 6,000 square meters, filled with Ming and Qing-era architecture, hidden pavilions, and mossy stone inscriptions.
In 2006, it became a national-level intangible cultural heritage site. Then in 2009, it earned global recognition from UNESCO.
Walking here, I didn’t just see history—I felt it in every carved stone and whispering breeze.
Note: Seal engraving is one of China’s most treasured art forms. Once used as a symbol of power and identity, it later became a personal expression for scholars, artists—even everyday people. Each seal is like a tiny artwork, blending calligraphy, poetry, and philosophy. Though fewer people now read the ancient scripts, the tradition lives on. Walk through Xiling Seal Art Society, and you’ll feel it—centuries of thought carved into stone, still speaking softly to those who pause and listen.
2. How to Get to Xiling Seal Art Society
Getting to Xiling Seal Art Society from downtown Hangzhou is surprisingly easy—even for first-time visitors.
The Society is tucked on the western slope of Solitary Hill, right by West Lake. The exact address? No. 31 Gushan Road, Xihu District (杭州西湖孤山路31号). But honestly, you won’t need the street number—just follow the lake and the locals.
First, I hopped on the metro. Hangzhou’s subway is clean, fast, and tourist-friendly. I used the “Hangzhou Metro” app, though Alipay’s transit QR code works just as well.
I took Line 1 to Fengqi Road Station (凤起路站), but Longxiangqiao Station (龙翔桥站) on Line 1 or 2 also works. From there, I exited at Gate C and grabbed a shared bike. The streets were calm, shaded by plane trees. In just 15 minutes along Beishan Street and pass Xiling Brodge, soon I spotted the moon-gate sign: 西泠印社 (Xiling Seal Art Society). Alternatively you can bike through the Bai Causeway all the way to Xiling Seal Art Society.
The whole trip took about 30 minutes and cost less than 5 yuan.
Alternatively, you can ride a local bus—Route 7, 27, or 118. Get off at Xinxin Hotel Stop (新新饭店站), then walk five minutes to Solitary Hill.
Remember—cars aren’t allowed on the hill. So, biking or walking is the best way to soak in those poetic lake views along the way.
3. Xiling Seal Art Society Walking Route & Highlights
Walking through Xiling Seal Art Society isn’t just a stroll through a garden—it’s a quiet journey through centuries of Chinese art and tradition. The entire site stretches across the wooded western slope of Solitary Hill. Ancient pavilions, carved stone tablets, and hidden courtyards are tucked along its winding paths. I started at the very bottom, and slowly made my way up—step by step—toward the summit.
Let me take you with me.
1) The Moon Gate Entrance
The front gate of Xiling Seal Art Society isn’t grand—but it’s unforgettable. Shaped like a full moon, this elegant arch is called a “moon gate.” Above it, a stone carving reads: 西泠印社.
The gate sits at the foot of the southern slope of Solitary Hill. As I stepped through, the noise of the city vanished. Suddenly, it felt like I had entered a living ink painting. From here, the path slowly winds upward, revealing one scene at a time. I took a deep breath, ready to follow the ancient steps all the way to the top. Ready to explore? Let’s go.
2) Spring Water and Bai Hall (Cypress Hall)
Just past the moon gate, I heard the soft sound of flowing spring water. The air felt instantly cooler—calmer.
A few steps ahead stood Bai Hall (柏堂), the heart of Xiling Seal Art Society. Nestled between bamboo groves and lotus ponds, this hall carries centuries of stories. Originally built near an ancient cypress in 561 AD, it was later rebuilt in 1876.
Inside, I found Ming-style furniture, portraits of past masters, and scrolls penned by legendary calligraphers. Every detail whispered tradition. I stood quietly, letting the history settle in, feeling like time itself had paused—just for a moment.
3) The Stone Archway
After pausing at Bai Hall, I turned left and began to climb. A quiet stone path led me uphill. Then, I saw it—a beautiful old archway rising from the hillside.
This stone arch (前山石坊) was first built in 1913, then rebuilt in 1923 for the Society’s 20th anniversary. It stands just over three meters tall, with bold calligraphy carved across the top: 西泠印社 (Xiling Seal Art Society).
On each side, ancient couplets praise the Society’s legacy. Just below, I spotted three characters chiseled into the cliff wall—渐入佳境. “Gradually entering a wonderland.” That felt exactly right.
4) Shanchuan Yulu Library
I kept climbing, step by step, past mossy stones and whispering trees. Then, tucked beside the path, I found a quiet white building.
This was the Shanchuan Yulu Library (山川雨露图书室), one of the earliest buildings of the Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society, built in 1910. Its name—“mountains, rivers, rain, and dew”—felt poetic already.
Inside, early members once gathered here to study seal art, books, and ancient inscriptions. It was their little sanctuary for ideas.
Today, it’s used differently, but the soul remains. I paused outside, imagining their quiet discussions echoing through time. The mountain felt even more alive.
5) Yangxian Pavilion (Pavilion of Fame)
I kept hiking upward, and soon a pavilion appeared through the trees—Yangxian Pavilion (仰贤亭), the first landmark building of the Xiling Seal Engravers’ Society.
Though originally built in the Ming Dynasty, it was rebuilt in 1905 by the Society’s founders. Inside, stone portraits of 28 famous seal artists—including Ding Jing and Zheng Banqiao—line the walls.
In the center stood a round stone table, carved with ancient inscriptions about seal carving traditions.
Calligraphy plaques by masters like Zhao Puchu and Sha Menghai hung above me. I stood in silence, surrounded by the voices of the past.
6) Hongxue Path
As I climbed higher, I reached a peaceful stone walkway—Hongxue Path (鸿雪径). Built in 1913, it felt like a quiet dream.
A wooden trellis arched above me, covered in twisting vines. In spring, wisteria blooms here, turning the path into a purple tunnel.
To the south, carved neatly into the stone, were the words 鸿雪径. No signature. Just the quiet echo of a classical poem.
The name comes from Su Shi’s verse: “Like geese leaving footprints in snow.”
I paused there, thinking—every step here feels like a soft imprint from history, fading slowly, yet never forgotten.
7) Liang Hall
Further up the path, I came across a peaceful old structure—Liang Hall (凉堂), one of the oldest parts of the Xiling Seal Art Society.
First built during the Southern Song Dynasty, it once stood among hundreds of blooming plum trees. People called it “the most wondrous spot by West Lake.”
Legend says that during Emperor Gaozong’s reign, a painter named Xiao Zhao drank wine here and painted on the spot.
The original hall collapsed long ago. However, in 1924, it was rebuilt with care.
Now, it stands proudly once more—a quiet witness to centuries of artistry and Hangzhou’s poetic soul.
8) Tixian Pavilion
I kept climbing, and finally reached the top terrace. There, nestled among trees, stood a small thatched pavilion—Tixian Pavilion (剔藓亭).
Built in 1915, it’s one of the earliest structures of the Xiling Seal Art Society. The name comes from a line by Han Yu: “Scrape away moss to reveal the carved stone beneath.”
It’s a poetic nod to the precision needed in seal carving.
The pavilion itself is humble—hexagonal, made of cypress, with railings on five sides.
As I stepped inside, I looked out. Below me, West Lake shimmered. Around me, ancient stone relics whispered stories lost to time.
9) Han Sanlao Stone Chamber
Just beyond the terrace, I found something truly powerful—a small stone structure with a quiet, timeless air.
This is the Han Sanlao Stone Chamber, built in 1921 by the Xiling Seal Art Society to protect ancient stone inscriptions.
Its treasure? A rare stele from the year 52 AD, etched with 217 characters. It records the names and memorial days of three generations of Han Dynasty elders.
Incredibly, the stele was once nearly sold overseas. But in 1921, Wu Changshuo and others raised 8,000 silver coins to bring it home.
Standing there, I felt deep respect—for both history and those who saved it.
10) Avatamsaka Sutra Pagoda
At last, I reached the summit. There, rising into the sky, stood the Avatamsaka Sutra Pagoda (华严经塔)—the crown of the Xiling Seal Art Society.
Built in 1924, it’s the only multi-eaved stone pagoda still standing in Hangzhou today. Made entirely of white stone, it rises eleven tiers, each carved with Buddhist scriptures and serene statues.
The base holds sixteen Arhats, their faces weathered but full of presence.
Monk Hongsan, a Society member, led the effort to build it.
Here, stone meets spirit. I stood quietly beneath it, surrounded by wind, sky, and something ancient that words can’t quite touch.
11) Statue of Deng Shiru
As I circled down the path near Xiaolonghong Cave, I spotted a solemn stone figure.
It was Deng Shiru (邓石如), a master seal carver from the Qing Dynasty and a towering figure in Chinese calligraphy.
This statue was first built in 1924 by Ding Fuzhi, one of the founders of the Xiling Seal Art Society.
Sadly, it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. However, in 1978, it was carefully rebuilt.
Now, Deng stands again, watching over the Society he helped inspire.
I paused for a moment, imagining him here—chisel in hand, heart full of ancient words waiting to be carved.
12) Seal-Engravers’ Club (Tijin Hall)
At the very top of the Xiling Seal Art Society, I found a quiet garden villa—Seal-Engravers’ Club ( 题襟馆Tijin Hall), also known as Yinxian Tower (隐闲楼).
Built in 1914, this brick-and-wood retreat once hosted art gatherings led by Wu Changshuo (吴昌硕) and fellow masters.
Later, it became Wu’s personal studio. Inside, I found stone carvings of rare paintings, poems, and calligraphy—including Wu’s own inscription, written in 1915.
From the front terrace, I looked out across West Lake. Rain or shine, this view brings peace.
I imagined Wu here, brush in hand, saying, “The spirit of these mountains flows through my wrist.”
13) Xiaolonghong Cave and the Hillside Path
As my visit to the Xiling Seal Art Society neared its end, I stepped into a hidden cave—Xiaolonghong (小龙泓洞).
Carved in 1922, this stone chamber honors Ding Jing (丁敬), founder of the Zhejiang seal carving school. Inside, I saw Wu Changshuo’s bold inscription and stone carvings by other great masters.
Next, I passed a stone chess table and the statue of Deng Shiru.
Through the cave’s opening, a narrow path stretched out. I followed it east, winding through trees and silence.
Soon, I reached the edge of Inner West Lake—soft water, still air, and the perfect ending to this cultural journey.
Extra Tips for Foreign Visitors
Before you go, let me share a few helpful tips—especially if you’re visiting the Xiling Seal Art Society from abroad.
First, language. Most signs here have English translations, but deeper content—like stone inscriptions or poetry—is in Chinese only. I recommend downloading a translation app, like Google Translate. Just point your camera at the text, and it’ll help a lot. Or, if you want richer context, hire a local guide. About 100 yuan per hour, and totally worth it.
Next, some etiquette. This isn’t a loud tourist attraction—it’s more of a living museum. Please speak quietly, and never use flash photography.
For your outfit, wear comfy shoes. Many stone steps and slopes! In summer, bring mosquito repellent. If it’s the rainy season, a small umbrella is a lifesaver. Hangzhou weather changes fast.
And finally—my favorite part—a tiny tea house near the exit. I sat down, sipped a cup of Longjing tea (just 20 yuan), and tried a warm Dingsheng cake.
Sweet, soft, and so peaceful.
Xiling Seal Art Society isn’t a place to rush. It’s a place to slow down and feel China’s artistic soul.
Hope this guide helps—and if you have questions, I’m always happy to chat.
🌟Further Reading
Hangzhou Travel Guide: Map, Highlights, Food, Transport & Tips
How to Book Hangzhou Attraction Tickets: All You Need to Know
West Lake, Hangzhou: Walking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Feilai Feng Grottoes: Map, Walking Route & Highlights
Baoshi Mountain: Hiking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Xiling Seal Art Society: Map, Walking Route & Highlights
Hupao Spring: Walking Route, Map & Must-See Highlights
Liuhe Pagoda: Map, Walking Route and Highlights
How to Visit Hangzhou – Your Complete Guide
The Best Hangzhou Tour Itinerary
Best Places to See Fall Colors in Hangzhou
