Leifeng Pagoda

Leifeng Pagoda stands on Sunset Hill along the southern shore of West Lake in Hangzhou. The original octagonal, five-story tower was built in 975 by King Qian Chu of the Wuyue Kingdom to celebrate the birth of a son by his concubine Consort Huang. In the sixteenth century during the Ming dynasty, fire destroyed its exterior wooden balconies and eaves, leaving behind a weathered brick core that deteriorated over centuries and collapsed in 1924.

The site is famous across China as the setting for the Legend of the White Snake, one of the country's most enduring folktales. According to the story, the white snake spirit Bai Suzhen transforms into a woman and marries a mortal scholar named Xu Xian. The Buddhist monk Fahai disapproves of their union and imprisons her beneath Leifeng Pagoda until she is eventually set free.

The current pagoda was completed in 2002 directly over the old ruins. At ground level, visitors can look through glass walkways at the excavated stone base and structural remnants of the tenth-century pagoda. Upper levels house relief wood carvings and murals illustrating scenes from the white snake legend, while the top viewing deck provides sweeping views over West Lake, the Su Causeway, and the Hangzhou skyline.

Booking & ticketsLeifeng Tower Tickets [2026] - Promos, Prices, Reviews & Opening Hours | Trip.comBook Leifeng Tower tickets with limited-time offers, skip-the-line access, and instant confirmation. Get the best prices and enjoy a seamless booking experience on Trip.com.trip.com

Affiliate link: booking through it earns this site a small commission, at no extra cost to you.