One of China’s ancient mountains, Mount Tianmu lies within the borders of Lin’an City, 84 kilometers west of Hangzhou. Part of the mountain has been preserved as the Mount Tianmu National Nature Reserve, which was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Reaching an elevation of 1,506 meters, Mount Tianmu has eastern and western peaks, each topped with a permanent pond. Mount Tianmu, literally “eyes-that-face-heaven mountains,” gets its name from this set of ponds. The mountain is notable for its canopy of large trees and treasure-trove of biodiversity. It boasts awe-inspiring sights such as rare forests of large Japanese cedars and the only wild population of ginkgo trees in the world. It is a vital habitat for rare and endangered birds.

Mount Tianmu is also home to cultural sites that have their roots in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. This diversity reflects the ancient Chinese concept of harmony in diversity.