Leifeng Pagoda
雷峰塔
A famous pagoda on Sunset Hill on the south shore of West Lake, where the White Snake legend says Lady White was imprisoned. Climb it for views over the whole lake.
Leifeng Pagoda was first built in the Northern Song dynasty in 977 and collapsed in 1924. It was rebuilt on the original site in 2002. The foundation ruins are preserved beneath the tower, and artifacts from the underground chamber are on display, including a gilded reliquary stupa. The tower has lifts and escalators. From the top floor, you get 360-degree views of West Lake, Su Causeway, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. “Leifeng Sunset” is one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake and is best enjoyed in the evening. Admission is about RMB 40, and in peak season the tower often stays open late. Jingci Temple, home of the Evening Bell at Nanping, is across the way, so you can visit both together. You can reach the pagoda by bus or on foot via Nanshan Road.
Opening hours
About 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. (closes earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- West Lake
- Jingci Temple
- Zhejiang Art Museum
- Three Pools Mirroring the Moon
- Taiziwan Park
- China National Silk Museum
- Liulang Wenying (Orioles Singing in the Willows)
- Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor