Baochu Pagoda stands on the summit of Baoshi Hill on the north shore of West Lake in Hangzhou's Xihu District, a slender stone pagoda first built in the 10th century and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating to a 1933 reconstruction. Unlike Leifeng Pagoda or Six Harmonies Pagoda, Baochu Pagoda is solid and cannot be climbed or entered; its appeal is the hillside setting and the views from the summit rather than the interior. A stone stairway climbs from Baochu Road up through pine woods to the pagoda, passing several smaller viewpoints along the way, and the ascent and time at the summit together take about 1 to 1.5 hours round trip. From the top, visitors get a wide panorama over West Lake, the Su and Bai causeways, and the city skyline beyond, one of the better elevated views of the lake available without an entrance fee. The path is steep in sections but short, making it a popular short hike for visitors staying near the north shore. Sunset is the most popular time to climb, when the pagoda and lake below take on golden light, though this also draws the largest crowds; a morning climb offers a quieter walk and cooler temperatures in summer.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours, unticketed hillside path |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours round trip on foot |
| Best time | Sunset, when the pagoda and lake below turn golden in the evening light |
| Getting there | Bus 7 or 807 to Baochu Road, then a steep uphill walk on stone steps |
| Address | Baoshi Hill, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310007, China |
Weather through the year in Zhejiang
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Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Zhejiang.
Location
Baoshi Hill, Xihu District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310007, China
30.2611, 120.1461 View on map
Highlights
- Slender solid-stone pagoda dating to a 1933 reconstruction on a 10th-century site
- Panoramic summit views over West Lake and the Su and Bai causeways
- Short hillside hike through pine woods from Baochu Road
- Free, unticketed access at any time of day
Tips for visiting
- Wear sturdy shoes for the steep stone stairway to the summit
- Climb in the early morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
- Sunset draws the largest crowds but offers the best light over the lake
- Bring water, as there are no vendors along the hillside path
When to visit
Sunset gives the best light over the lake, though early morning offers a quieter, cooler climb.
Accessibility
The path to the summit is a steep stone stairway with no elevator or ramp, making it unsuitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the climb to Baochu Pagoda take?
The round-trip hike, including time at the summit, takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is Baochu Pagoda worth visiting with children?
It can be for older, active children who can manage the steep stone stairway; the pagoda itself cannot be entered.
Is photography allowed at the summit?
Yes, photography is unrestricted at the summit and along the hillside path.
Can visitors go inside Baochu Pagoda?
No, the pagoda is a solid stone structure and cannot be entered; visitors view it from the outside at the hill's summit.