Pazhou Pagoda

Pazhou Pagoda is an octagonal tower with seventeen floors rising 50 meters (164 feet) above the southern bank of the Pearl River. The structure covers approximately 111 square meters (1,195 square feet) and defines the island's waterfront with its distinctive form.

The tower was built between 1597 and 1600 and served merchant ships as a navigation reference on their journey to Guangzhou port. It marked an important landmark for river traffic during the late Ming Dynasty period.

The pagoda occupies the former site of Haitang Temple and reflects traditional Chinese building principles through its blue-brick construction. The design and structure follow classical rules that have guided Chinese architecture for centuries.

The structure sits on Pazhou Island and is easily reached from the waterfront promenade. Visitors can view it from the outside and enjoy perspectives from the water or nearby walking paths.

The tower's interior contains seventeen floors while its exterior visually displays only nine stories. This discrepancy arose from how the structure was originally designed and constructed.

Location: Guangzhou

Inception: 1600

Floors above the ground: 17

GPS coordinates: 23.10176,113.37027

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02