Leifeng Pagoda: A Legendary Journey from an Ancient Demon-Suppressing Pagoda to a Glorious Rebirth

The Demon-Suppressing Tower—An Eternal Mark of the Legend of the White Snake
The name "Leifeng" originates from the mountain itself, but what makes it widely known is the poignant love legend behind it. Legend has it that the thousand-year-old white snake, Bai Suzhen, married the mortal Xu Xian to repay a debt of gratitude, but was imprisoned under Leifeng Pagoda by the Zen master Fahai of Jinshan Temple for violating heavenly rules. Fahai declared, "Only when West Lake dries up and Leifeng Pagoda collapses can the white snake be reborn." This story of "eternally imprisoning the white snake" imbues Leifeng Pagoda with irreplaceable mythical color and tragic power, making it a symbol of the confrontation between faithful love and the ruthless law, touching the hearts of countless Chinese people for centuries.

The Path of Reincarnation—From Construction, Decline to Rebirth
The history of Leifeng Pagoda is a history of vicissitudes spanning five dynasties:
The founding of the Wuyue Kingdom (977 AD): To pray for peace and prosperity for the country and to celebrate the birth of a son by his favorite concubine, Lady Huang, King Qian Chu of Wuyue built the "Imperial Concubine Pagoda" (later known as Leifeng Pagoda because of its location in Leifeng) on ​​the south bank of West Lake. Initially, it was an octagonal, seven-story brick and wood pavilion-style pagoda, resplendent in gold.
It gained fame in the Southern Song Dynasty: "Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset" was included in the "Ten Scenes of West Lake", and was praised by literati and poets. Its sunset scenery has become an artistic classic.
Calamity during the Ming Dynasty (1545 AD): Japanese pirates set fire to the tower, destroying the wooden eaves and corridors around it, leaving only the brick core. However, its crimson and dilapidated appearance has a unique desolate beauty under the setting sun.
Modern collapse (September 25, 1924): Due to long-term theft of bricks from the pagoda (folk superstition held that pagoda bricks could ward off evil spirits), the pagoda's foundation became hollow, and Leifeng Pagoda finally collapsed. The "Ten Scenes of West Lake" were thus incomplete, causing a national sensation.
Rebirth in a Prosperous Era (2002): Following the astonishing discovery of the underground palace's treasures, the new Leifeng Pagoda was rebuilt on its original site. The new pagoda, constructed with modern steel and clad in copper, was designed with the preservation of the ancient pagoda ruins in mind. It stood once again on the shores of West Lake in the autumn of 2002.

In-depth understanding: Explore more famous historical pagodas in China >> [Xi'an Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Xuanzang's Sutra Repository] | [Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: The World's Tallest Wooden Structure]

Nature's Creation—The Ultimate Frame for Lakes and Mountains
Leifeng Pagoda itself is an excellent stage for appreciating the natural beauty of West Lake.

Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset: The Golden Hour of Light and Shadow
This is the soul of Leifeng Pagoda. Every evening at sunset, the afterglow bathes the bronze pagoda in golden light, reflecting off the shimmering lake and the distant green hills and city walls, creating a warm and magnificent scene. The best vantage point isn't at the pagoda's base, but rather in the Changqiao Park or the area around the Dongpu Bridge on the Su Causeway across the lake. A clear evening is the perfect time to experience the essence of this view.
Climbing to a high vantage point: A bird's-eye view of West Lake
Climbing to the top of the tower's observation deck, a panoramic view of West Lake unfolds before you. To the north, you can clearly see the classic layout of "one lake reflecting two pagodas" (Baochu Pagoda), with the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway flowing like ribbons on the azure water; to the east, you can see the modern skyline of Hangzhou; and to the west, you can see the verdant mountains. This is the best place to understand the overall layout of West Lake, which is "surrounded by mountains on three sides and the city on one side."

Humanistic Ingenuity: Contemporary Inheritance of Ruins, Bronze Sculptures, and Painted Decorations
The newly built Leifeng Pagoda is a "pagoda within a pagoda," and its interior design ingeniously integrates the functions of site protection, cultural display, and tourism.

Millennium-Old Ruins Area: A Frozen Historical Site
Beneath the transparent glass floor at the base of the pagoda lies the original brick foundation of Leifeng Pagoda. Visitors can walk on it to observe the ancient bricks and remaining foundation structure up close, directly experiencing the weight and vicissitudes of history.
Underground Palace Treasures and Ashoka Stupa
At the heart of the site, the stunning discoveries of the 2000-year archaeological excavation are on display—the underground palace of Leifeng Pagoda. Dozens of precious artifacts were unearthed, including a pure silver Ashoka stupa, a gilded bronze Buddha statue, bronze mirrors, jade objects, and silk textiles. The gilded silver Ashoka stupa, in particular, houses a relic of Buddha's hair, considered the highest testament to the Wuyue Kingdom's devotion to Buddhism.
Colored bronze sculptures and Dongyang wood carvings: an art gallery telling legends
The new pagoda extensively uses copper components both inside and out, making it China's first colored copper sculpture pagoda. Inside the pagoda is a Dongyang woodcarving exhibition hall depicting the story of the White Snake. Using exquisite carving techniques, the exhibition vividly recreates the entire legend in eight scenes: "Yearning for the Mortal World at the Grand Gathering," "Borrowing an Umbrella in the Rain," "Reappearing on the Dragon Boat Festival," "Stealing the Herb from Kunlun," "Flooding Jinshan Temple," "Meeting at the Broken Bridge," "Imprisoned Inside the Pagoda," and "Reunion After the Pagoda is Broken."
Cultural displays on floors two through four:
Through murals, documents, old photographs, and other forms, the entire process of the construction, rise and fall of Leifeng Pagoda throughout history, its cultural influence, and its reconstruction is presented, like a three-dimensional history book.

Photography Tips:
Classic "Sunset" Spot: The long bridge is an excellent location for photographing Leifeng Pagoda and its reflection in the sunset. You can use the bridge arches or peach and willow trees as foreground.
Panoramic framing: Using a wide-angle lens at the top of the tower, you can capture a magnificent group photo of West Lake, the city, and the tower itself.
The beauty of details: Focus on the bronze brackets and bas-reliefs on the tower body, or the vivid scenes depicted in the wood carvings inside the tower.
The tower is brightly lit at night and its reflection is in the lake. The view from the west bank of the lake is particularly dazzling.

Five Must-Do Things to Unlock the Complete Leifeng Pagoda Tour
1. Eight Moments in Search of the Legend of the White Snake
Location: Dongyang wood carving exhibition area inside the tower.
Experience: Follow the wood carving scroll to retrace the love story of Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian, and feel the tragic climax of the story in front of the scene of "Eternal Imprisonment at Leifeng Pagoda".
2. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of West Lake
Key point: Take the elevator or climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top of the tower, walk around the corridor clockwise, and identify landmarks such as Su Causeway, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, Baochu Pagoda, and City God Pavilion.
3. Exploring the Millennium-Old Tower Foundation Beneath the Glass
Experience: On the first floor of the ruins area, look down at the Song Dynasty bricks and stones, imagine the magnificence of the ancient pagoda in its heyday, and feel the direct touch of history.
4. Quietly awaiting a "Leifeng Pagoda at sunset"
Time: Half an hour before sunset on a clear day.
Location: The long bridge or Su Causeway opposite the tower. The best way is to visit the tower in the afternoon and then move to the opposite bank in the evening to enjoy the tower's reflection and the sunset.
5. Collect unique cultural and creative memories
Experience: In the cultural and creative shops of the scenic area, look for unique souvenirs featuring elements of the Legend of the White Snake, the Ashoka Stupa, or its shadow, and take the legend home with you.

Suggested tour routes
Half-day "core site" tour (suitable for those with limited time):
Arrive in the afternoon → From the scenic area entrance, ascend the escalator to the tower base → Visit the first-floor site protection area and the exhibition of artifacts unearthed from the underground palace (approx. 30 minutes) → Take the elevator directly to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of West Lake (approx. 20 minutes) → Walk down each floor, carefully observing the cultural displays and the wooden carvings of the "Legend of the White Snake" (approx. 40 minutes) → After exiting the tower, if time permits, stroll through the surrounding gardens. In the evening, head to Changqiao Park to admire the distant view of "Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset".
IntoTravelChina suggests: There may be queues for the elevators inside the tower during peak hours. If you are physically able, walking up and down the stairs is a more flexible option.

A one-day in-depth tour of the southern section of West Lake (highly recommended):
Morning: Begin at Jingci Temple (Nanping Evening Bell), listen to the bell tolling, and enjoy a panoramic view of Leifeng Pagoda from within the temple. Afterwards, walk to Leifeng Pagoda for a more in-depth visit (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Lunch: Dinner on Nanshan Road or in the nearby Hangzhou Cuisine Museum area. Afternoon: Visit Su Causeway and take a boat from the Flower Harbor Fish Viewing Wharf to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. After disembarking, visit Flower Harbor Fish Viewing Park. Evening: Walk to Changqiao Park to wait and photograph the classic "Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset" view.
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodations for you, arrange all the connections between activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina offers personalized itineraries, including a dedicated guide, transportation, and activity arrangements, ensuring a worry-free and in-depth travel experience. >> [Inquire Now for a Customized Itinerary]

How to get there: Convenient landmarks on the shores of West Lake
Leifeng Pagoda is located on the south bank of the core area of ​​West Lake, and is easily accessible.
Public transportation (recommended):
By bus: Take bus routes 4, 31, 52, 87, 133, etc. and get off at "Jing Temple" station. It is right across the street.
Subway: Take Hangzhou Metro Line 7 to "Wushan Square" station. After exiting the station, walk south along Nanshan Road for about 15-20 minutes to reach the destination.
By car/taxi: Navigate to "Leifeng Pagoda Scenic Area". However, West Lake Scenic Area implements odd-even license plate restrictions during holidays and weekends, and parking spaces are scarce, so it is strongly advised against driving there during peak hours.
West Lake sightseeing electric car: You can take the sightseeing electric car around the lake and get off at the "Leifeng Pagoda" stop. It is a comfortable option to connect multiple attractions.

Best time to visit
Leifeng Pagoda can be visited in all seasons, but the experience is closely related to the weather.
Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November): The climate is pleasant and the sky is clear, making it the season with the highest success rate for climbing to high places and watching the sunset.
Summer (June-August): The weather is hot, but you can admire the lotus leaves stretching to the sky. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening, and take precautions against heatstroke and sunburn.
Winter (December-February): There are relatively fewer tourists. If you happen to visit after a snowfall and the weather clears up, the snow-covered West Lake and the ancient pagoda complement each other, creating a unique and picturesque scene.

Accommodation options
Hotels along the southeastern route of West Lake (convenient options):
Experience: Located in the Nanshan Road and Hefang Street area, Leifeng Pagoda and Jingci Temple are within walking distance or short bus rides, and there is a wide variety of dining and nightlife options.
Suitable for: Tourists who want an in-depth tour of the core attractions and enjoy a lively atmosphere and convenience.
West Lake West Line Resort Hotels (A Tranquil Choice):
Experience: The Yanggong Causeway and Maojiabu area is a tranquil and natural environment, requiring a short drive to reach Leifeng Pagoda.
Suitable for: Families or tourists seeking a quiet vacation experience.
Lakeside Business District Hotels (Comprehensive Selection):
Experience: Located in the city center, shopping, dining, and transportation (subway) are extremely convenient, and it is easy to get to various attractions in West Lake, but it is a bit far from Leifeng Pagoda.
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Hangzhou who wish to visit multiple attractions.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Recommendations:
Accommodation around West Lake is popular, especially during holidays. We strongly recommend planning your trip and booking accommodation at least one month in advance. Booking through us not only gives you real-time room availability and the best value options, but also allows you to package accommodation, tickets, and transportation together, often securing bundled deals and ensuring a seamless itinerary. Tell us your budget and needs, and we'll match you with the most suitable lakeside accommodation. >> [Click to contact an IntoTravelChina travel consultant]

Leifeng Pagoda is a key part of exploring the southern section of West Lake and the culture of Hangzhou.

A one-day tour of West Lake's love legends: Broken Bridge (where the White Snake met) → Boat trip on the lake → Leifeng Pagoda (the place of suppression) → Wansong Academy (where Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai studied together). This is a unique route following in the footsteps of two of China's most classic love legends. >> [View West Lake Love Legends themed routes]

The story of Leifeng Pagoda is about the eternity of love, the reincarnation of history and the relight of the prosperous world. IntoTravelChina focuses on creating a deep, personal, and hassle-free Chinese travel experience. Our travel experts can help you:

Tailor-made itinerary: Design a personalized itinerary with Leifeng Pagoda and West Lake legendary attractions based on your interests and time, whether it's cultural, photographic, or family themes.
One-stop service: special accommodation, ticket reservation, transportation, professional cultural tour guide explanation (to help you understand the legend and history in depth of the story).
Exclusive experience: Arrange the best "sunset" photography time and camera guidance, intangible cultural heritage experience (such as listening to a Hangzhou commentary "The Legend of the White Snake"), and more in-depth explanations from cultural and museum experts (subject to availability).

Let your trip to Leifeng Pagoda not only climb high and admire the scenery, but also a cultural journey immersed in China's thousand-year-old legends and historical changes.
> Start planning your journey today
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