Baochu Pagoda, Song Dynasty pagoda on Precious Stone Hill, Hangzhou, China.
Baochu Pagoda is an octagonal brick structure standing on Precious Stone Hill in Hangzhou, rising to about 45 meters high across seven tiers. The building features blind windows, corner columns, and decorative brackets beneath each level, which are characteristic elements of Song Dynasty architecture.
The pagoda was built in 963 during the Northern Song Dynasty and underwent six major reconstructions across different periods before reaching its present form in 1933. These repeated renewals show how important the structure remained across generations and how communities maintained it over time.
The name Baochu means 'protect Chu', honoring King Qian Chu of the Wuyue Kingdom for whom a minister commissioned this structure. Visitors today can sense the reverence attached to this site, reflecting the deep connection between people and their local heritage.
The structure sits on Precious Stone Hill and is easy to reach when you take time to explore the location and enjoy the surroundings. The hilltop offers good vantage points from which you can take in the full landscape and how it relates to the city below.
The building is mirrored by water and faces the Leifeng Pagoda across West Lake, creating a visual partnership between the two structures. This paired positioning has shaped Hangzhou's visual identity for centuries.
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