Leifeng Pagoda, Buddhist pagoda near West Lake, Hangzhou, China
Leifeng Pagoda is an octagonal five-story structure rising 72 meters above West Lake, featuring copper elements and a steel frame that was completed in 2002. The building includes two internal elevators that allow visitors to access multiple observation platforms throughout its height.
A ruler of the ancient Wuyue kingdom commissioned the original pagoda in 975 as an offering, which stood for nearly a thousand years before collapsing in 1924. The current structure was rebuilt decades later as a modern reconstruction on the same site.
The pagoda features prominently in the Legend of the White Snake, where a Buddhist monk trapped the spirit beneath it in local folklore. This tale shapes how people view the site today, connecting it to one of China's most beloved stories.
The site operates during regular daytime hours with good accessibility for most visitors, though sturdy footwear helps for navigating stairs between elevator stops. The observation decks offer sweeping views, so plan your visit for clear weather to see across the lake and city.
During excavations of the collapsed original structure, workers discovered an underground chamber beneath the pagoda containing Buddhist statues and ancient coins. This hidden vault suggests the structure was built to enshrine sacred objects, making it as much a repository as a tower.
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