Is it necessary to climb a mountain to go from Suzhou Street to the Pailing Hall?

Yes, it’s okay, go through the west dock and pass the flower shop, and you’ll get there.
Only up to the Paying Homage to Clouds Hall does not require climbing the mountain, but it will also miss one of the most classic attractions of the Summer Palace, the Fragrance of Buddha Pavilion. Ascending the mountain, you will reach the Paying Homage to Clouds Hall, the Hall of Virtue and Splendor, and the Fragrance of Buddha Pavilion.
OK, if you pass through the flower shop, you will reach the west dock.
Only reaching the Paying Homage to the Clouds Hall does not require climbing the mountain, but it will also miss one of the most classic attractions in the Summer Palace, the Fragrance of Incense Pavilion. Climbing the mountain leads to the Paying Homage to the Clouds Hall, the Hall of Dharma Brilliance, and the Fragrance of Incense Pavilion.