Nine Creeks and Eighteen Gullies

Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Introduction

Within a few miles near Longjing Mountain, there is a clear and transparent stream called Jiuxi North Stream, originating from Yangmei Valley. I once traveled upstream along this stream, starting from Longjing and passing through countless mountains. The mountains were not steep, but rather undulating, creating a complex and boundless green scenery. As I continued along the stream, sometimes glimpsing to the east and hiding to the west, I could easily find my way even when encountering roadblocks. The streams that have not yet entered the river are called "jian", and there are eighteen "jian" near Jiuxi, a multiple of nine. When I stopped by the "jian", I could always see giant stones standing in the water. The water and stones rubbed against each other and the grass and algae danced in it. The stream is about four to five feet wide, shallow and easy to walk in the shallows, and slightly deeper areas reveal pebbles and gravel. The mountains are covered with tea trees, maple trees, and pine trees. As I passed the small stone bridge and headed towards Anli Temple Road, the shape of the stones became mysteriously changing. The bamboo leaves began to grow in the spring and swayed on the mountaintops, resembling an old person's white hair basking in the sun. Strange stones piled up, hidden in the mountainside, shaped like cabinets, tables, and bookcases. Looking up at the mountains, the clouds and mist were swirling, intoxicating. Azaleas bloomed, decorating the mountain path, and the sunlight streamed through the branches and leaves, casting shadows. The three of us, including me, Wu Xiaocun from Daxian, Gao Fengqi from Changle, and Shao Bojun from Qiantang, traveled through this mountain forest. It was the sixth day of the third month of the Guangxu Gengzi year in the afternoon.

Address

Xihu District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province

Phone 571-8659-1494