Leifeng Pagoda

On the picturesque southern shore of the famous West Lake, atop Sunset Hill, stands a majestic structure that has become a symbol of the city of Hangzhou. This octagonal five-story tower harmoniously combines ancient traditions and the modern technology of China.

Leifeng Pagoda. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The modern version of the building was officially opened in 2002 on the site of the original 10th-century foundation. A feature of the design is the use of bronze finishing, giving the building a noble luster, as well as the presence of elevators and escalators, making it accessible and comfortable for all categories of tourists.

Inside the pagoda, visitors will find stunning wooden bas-reliefs illustrating the Legend of the White Snake and an archaeological zone at the base. From the upper tiers, a panoramic view opens up, considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Zhejiang Province, especially in the rays of the setting sun.

For those planning a visit, it is helpful to have up-to-date contact information at hand. Below are the official contact details and the exact address of this landmark site.

The highlight for guests is at the top of the tower, which can be reached by a panoramic elevator. The observation deck offers a 360-degree view of West Lake and the city blocks—this is the best spot to observe the famous landscape "Leifeng Pagoda in the Sunset".

Unique exhibitions are located on each floor. Be sure to take time to study the wooden murals, which recreate scenes from folklore in great detail. At the base of the building, you can peek into the past by examining the ruins of the original foundation and valuable artifacts found during excavations, such as golden ritual objects.

After exploring the interior, it is worth taking a walk through the landscaped park surrounding it. Nearby is the Jingci Buddhist Temple, where ancient statues of Arhats are kept, complementing the cultural character of this sacred place.

Getting to this picturesque corner of Hangzhou is quite simple thanks to the well-developed transport network. The main landmark is the southern shore of West Lake, where buses No. K4, K504, K525, and Y2 stop (Leifeng Pagoda stop); the journey from the city center takes about 20–30 minutes.

If you prefer the metro, take Line 1 to Ding'an Lu station, from where you can reach the park entrance by taxi in 10–15 minutes. For travelers arriving from Xiaoshan Airport, the taxi ride will take approximately 40–50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Convenient escalators lead to the pagoda itself, significantly easing the climb from the foot of the hill. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the ticket offices on-site, and parking is available for those with private vehicles.

The history of this iconic site in ancient China began in 975 AD, when the ruler of the Wuyue Kingdom erected a tower to celebrate the birth of his son and to house Buddhist relics, including a legendary lock of the Buddha's hair. The original octagonal brick and wood construction was a true masterpiece of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

In the 16th century, the structure suffered from a massive fire set by Japanese pirates, who mistakenly believed that weapons were hidden inside. All the wooden elements were burned away, leaving the pagoda as a brick skeleton that became known as the "Ruined Leifeng Pagoda." Local residents believed the tower's bricks possessed healing properties and gradually dismantled them into powder for medicine, which eventually led to the building's collapse in 1924.

A new chapter began in 1999 when the decision to rebuild was made. During the work, archaeologists discovered a secret mausoleum beneath the ruins containing unique gold and silver artifacts. The new pagoda, opened in 2002, was constructed using 1,400 tons of steel and 200 tons of copper, becoming a sturdy monument that unites the past and the present.

When planning your itinerary, consider that a full tour of all levels of the structure, exploring the archaeological excavations, and relaxing on the observation deck will take about 1.5–2.5 hours. This is enough time to leisurely examine the wooden bas-reliefs and take memorable photos.

If you wish to combine the visit with a stroll along the waterfront or a visit to the neighboring Jingci Temple, it is better to schedule 3–4 hours. Such immersion will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of serenity for which this region is famous.

Visitors are welcomed daily, making it easy to fit a visit into any travel schedule. The operating hours are consistent throughout the year: doors are open from 08:00 to 20:00 with no lunch breaks or days off.

To fully enjoy the play of light on the bronze elements, experienced travelers recommend visiting in the late afternoon. However, before your trip, it is always helpful to check the latest information on the official website, as operating hours may vary slightly on public holidays.

Exploring the surroundings of the southern shore of West Lake can significantly enrich the experience of any traveler. Many interesting locations are concentrated near the tower, from historical temples to modern entertainment zones, allowing for varied leisure activities for the whole family.