Tiger Running Park: A Thousand-Year-Old Cultural Wonderland Hidden in the Mountains

Located at the foot of Dacishan Mountain southwest of West Lake in Hangzhou, Tiger Running Park, centered around the Tiger Running Spring, known as the "Third Best Spring Under Heaven," is a cultural wonderland integrating natural wonders, Zen Buddhist culture, and historical relics. It is praised as one of the "Two Wonders of West Lake." **Tiger Running Spring: A Legendary Spring, a Blend of Tea and Zen** Tiger Running Spring is the soul of the park. Legend has it that a renowned Tang Dynasty monk, Xingkong, was about to leave the mountain due to a lack of water when he dreamt of a tiger pawing the ground, causing a spring to emerge, hence the name. The spring water is sweet, clear, and rich in minerals, with extremely high surface tension, capable of floating coins. The ancients praised the combination of "Longjing tea leaves and Tiger Running water" as a perfect match. The "Dripping Emerald Cliff" at the spring's eye remains moist year-round, covered with moss, showcasing the wonders of nature. Literary figures such as Su Shi and Lu You of the Song Dynasty once enjoyed tea and composed poems here, imbuing the spring with profound cultural significance. **Jigong and Hongyi: Spiritual Landmarks of Zen** The Jigong Hall within the park is dedicated to the "Living Buddha" Jigong, who is said to have practiced here. The ancient well behind the hall, known as the "Ji Dian Pagoda Courtyard," is believed to be a miraculous site where he transported timber to build the temple. The modern art master Li Shutong (Master Hongyi) was ordained as a monk here in 1918. His memorial hall displays manuscripts, Buddhist paintings, and other cultural relics. Outside the hall, the stone inscription "A Mix of Joy and Sorrow" and the stupa stand quietly among the trees, bearing witness to the life of a generation of eminent monks, "from extreme brilliance to ultimate simplicity." **A Secluded Valley of Zen: A Symphony of Nature and Humanity** Ancient trees tower within the park, with bamboo lining the paths, the sounds of bells and chimes harmonizing with the murmur of the spring. Stone inscriptions such as Su Dongpo's "The Tiger Moved the Spring Eye to Follow the Pilgrimage" from the Song Dynasty, the Five Hundred Arhats Hall sculptures, and the Cuiyue Hall teahouse are scattered throughout, creating a unique experience of "listening to the spring, observing the stones, savoring tea, and comprehending Zen." Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, summer is ideal for escaping the heat, the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air in autumn, and snow-covered bamboo can be admired in winter – each season paints a picturesque scene. This landscape garden, hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city, with the spring as its pulse and Zen as its soul, perfectly blends natural wonders with cultural heritage, making it an ideal place to decipher the cultural code of Hangzhou's "blend of tea and Zen."