Is Leifeng Pagoda the original ancient pagoda?

No. The original brick pagoda from 975 CE collapsed in 1924 after centuries of locals chipping out bricks for souvenirs. What you climb today is a 2002 copper-clad steel-frame replica built directly over the old foundations, which you can see through a glass floor in the basement. It is a faithful rebuild rather than an ancient structure.

What is the Legend of the White Snake and why does it matter here?

It is a famous Chinese folktale in which a white snake takes human form and falls in love with a man, only to be imprisoned beneath this pagoda by the monk Fa Hai. English signs inside explain the story. Knowing it adds meaning to the climb, since Chinese visitors come largely for this romantic legend.

When is the best time to visit Leifeng Pagoda?

Arrive about an hour before sunset. The fifth-floor balcony gives the classic 'Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset' view across West Lake, one of the lake's celebrated Ten Scenes. The climb itself is short and a visit takes roughly half an hour, so it pairs easily with a late-afternoon walk along the nearby Su Causeway.

Leifeng Pagoda, Hangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

South-shore pagoda — original Tang-era pagoda destroyed 1924 + rebuilt 2002. The Legend of the White Snake is set here.

At a glance

What it is: Heritage Site
Also known as: 雷峰塔 (Léifēng Tǎ)
Opening hours: 8 AM – 9 PM
Time needed: 1 hour
Best time to visit: 1 hour before sunset
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: English tours available
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking recommended
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: 15 Nanshan Rd, West Lake District · 南山路 15 号

The original Leifeng Pagoda (975 CE) was where in the Chinese folktale 'Legend of the White Snake', the monk Fa Hai imprisoned the white snake spirit. The original collapsed 1924 — locals had been chipping out bricks for souvenirs over centuries, weakening the structure. The current pagoda (2002) is a copper-clad steel-frame replica built directly over the original brick foundations (visible in the basement glass display). 5-story climb gives the iconic Leifeng Pagoda Sunset view of West Lake (one of the Ten Scenes). Entry ¥40. Climb is short — 30 min visit. Combine with Su Causeway walk or boat ride.

Highlights

Sunset View of West LakeOne of the 10 Scenes; arrive 1 hour before sunset
Original Brick FoundationsGlass-floor basement display; 975 CE foundations
Legend of White Snake StorySetting of the Chinese folktale; signs explain in English

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Take the escalators that climb the hillside to the base; the actual pagoda climb is then only five short flights, easy for most ages.
▸Most miss the glass-floor basement: the exposed 975 CE brick foundations are the only genuinely old part of the whole site.
▸Shoot the pagoda itself from across the water near the Su Causeway; from inside you photograph the lake, not the tower.
▸Late afternoon light turns the copper cladding warm gold; midday flattens it and the lake haze hides the far shore.
▸Crowds bunch on the top balcony at sunset; one floor down is nearly as good and far less elbow-to-elbow.
▸After dark the pagoda is floodlit and visible free from the south shore, so a paid climb at dusk gives you both views.
▸It sits at the lake's southern tip near Jingci Temple; chain it with a southern-shore stroll rather than a separate trip.

Photos

Peaceful scene featuring a boat on West Lake with Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou, China.

Calm West Lake waters with Leifeng Pagoda and misty mountains in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

Capture of Leifeng Pagoda amidst autumn foliage at West Lake, Hangzhou, China.

Beautiful view of traditional Chinese architecture along West Lake in Hangzhou with boats and lush greenery in the background.

Tranquil scene featuring a pagoda surrounded by lush mountains and a peaceful lake.

Silhouettes at West Lake in Hangzhou during a serene sunset with a traditional pagoda view.

Serene twilight scene of West Lake in Hangzhou, showcasing a silhouetted pier and pagoda.

Cormorants resting on a distinct stupa in West Lake, Hangzhou, China, with serene water and mountain backdrop.

Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou surrounded by lush greenery on a misty day.

A breathtaking view of Leifeng Pagoda surrounded by lush greenery and urban skyline in Hangzhou, China.

A stunning nighttime view of the illuminated Leifeng Pagoda in Hangzhou, framed by tree branches.

Scenic view of Leifeng Pagoda surrounded by forested hills in Hangzhou, China.

Picturesque view of West Lake with pagoda and boat, Hangzhou, China.

Tranquil evening scene of West Lake, Hangzhou, with a silhouette of a pavilion against a stunning sunset.

What travelers say (1 review)

Pagoda·TripAdvisor·4/5

Rebuilt 2002 over the original 975 CE foundations (collapsed 1924). Climb for the Sunset on Leifeng Pagoda West Lake view. ¥40.

2026-04-12

Watch creators visit Leifeng Pagoda

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West Lake Hangzhou — Walking the UNESCO Lake

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Frequently asked questions about Leifeng Pagoda

Is Leifeng Pagoda the original ancient pagoda?: No. The original brick pagoda from 975 CE collapsed in 1924 after centuries of locals chipping out bricks for souvenirs. What you climb today is a 2002 copper-clad steel-frame replica built directly over the old foundations, which you can see through a glass floor in the basement. It is a faithful rebuild rather than an ancient structure.
What is the Legend of the White Snake and why does it matter here?: It is a famous Chinese folktale in which a white snake takes human form and falls in love with a man, only to be imprisoned beneath this pagoda by the monk Fa Hai. English signs inside explain the story. Knowing it adds meaning to the climb, since Chinese visitors come largely for this romantic legend.
When is the best time to visit Leifeng Pagoda?: Arrive about an hour before sunset. The fifth-floor balcony gives the classic 'Leifeng Pagoda at Sunset' view across West Lake, one of the lake's celebrated Ten Scenes. The climb itself is short and a visit takes roughly half an hour, so it pairs easily with a late-afternoon walk along the nearby Su Causeway.