Leifeng Pagoda
Why visit here?
Leifeng Pagoda stands on the southern shore of West Lake. The original pagoda was built in 975 AD by a local king to house Buddhist relics. For nearly a thousand years, it survived fires, war and decay. In 1924, it finally collapsed, leaving only a pile of broken bricks and stone.
Today's pagoda was rebuilt in 2002. It rises 71 meters high, with a steel frame and a copper exterior. At its base, a glass floor lets you look down at the original ruins – the very foundation stones and broken bricks that lay buried for decades.
Inside, elevators take you to the top. From the highest balcony, you see the famous "Leifeng Pagoda in the Evening Glow" – one of West Lake's ten classic views. The sun sets behind the hills, the lake turns golden, and the pagoda itself casts a long shadow over the water.
The pagoda is also famous for a legend: the Tale of the White Snake. A young man fell in love with a white snake who had taken human form. A monk trapped her under Leifeng Pagoda, separating the lovers. The story has been told for centuries, and the pagoda became a symbol of love and tragedy. You can see paintings and carvings of this legend inside the tower.
Pros & Cons
- One of Hangzhou's most iconic landmarks, famous for two things: the classic "Leifeng Pagoda in the Evening Glow" view, and the beloved legend of the White Snake
- The rebuilt pagoda (2002) is China's first color‑bronze pagoda – 71.68 m tall, with an elevator that takes you straight to the top for a 360° panoramic view of West Lake
- The hilltop location offers a cool breeze and a stunning sunset view
- Tickets must be booked online in advance – the pagoda has a mandatory real‑name reservation system, and foreign visitors should book through official platforms like the "West Lake Tourism" WeChat mini‑program, using a passport number.
- The pagoda can be extremely crowded, especially on weekends, public holidays, and during the golden hour before sunset.
- Flash photography is not permitted inside, especially in areas with murals, carvings, and the glass‑covered ruins. Tripods and selfie sticks may be restricted during peak hours.
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