Zhenguosi Pagoda, Buddhist pagoda on Grand Canal island in Gaoyou, China
Zhenguosi Pagoda is a white stone tower on an island in the Grand Canal in Gaoyou, featuring multiple tiers with curved roofs and ornamental eaves. The structure displays traditional Chinese architectural details arranged in ascending levels, creating a distinctive vertical form.
This pagoda was built more than 1,100 years ago during a period of strong Buddhist growth along the Grand Canal. The structure marks an important moment when religion and trade flourished together on this ancient waterway.
The pagoda functions as a pilgrimage destination where visitors gather to pay respects and observe Buddhist traditions rooted in local faith. Its rising silhouette and carved details hold deep meaning for people who connect the structure to their spiritual life and community identity.
The best way to reach the pagoda is by boat across the canal, with local operators offering trips from various landing points along the waterway. Visitors should plan to arrive during daylight hours when the structure is clearly visible and water conditions are at their best.
The pagoda once served as a prominent landmark for boatmen navigating the canal, who used the white tower to mark their location and direction. Today this practical purpose is often overlooked, though the structure still guides the eye across the water as it did centuries ago.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
