White Pagoda Park, also known as Baita Park (白塔公园）, is a cultural landmark situated in Hangzhou, with its core centered around the nationally significant historical site “Zhakou White Pagoda.” The park embodies the preservation and utilization of historical architecture and industrial remnants from the railway era.
Dating back to the late Wuyue period of the Five Dynasties, the White Pagoda served as a navigational beacon for ships along the ancient Qiantang River, signifying the confluence of the Grand Canal and the Qiantang River. Since ancient times, the vicinity of the White Pagoda has been a bustling port of entry to Hangzhou for merchants and travelers arriving via the Qiantang River, bustling with trade and activity. During the Republican era, this area also served as the starting point station for the Jiangshu Railway’s southern segment.
The park seamlessly integrates ancient historical relics with vibrant natural landscapes, offering visitors a leisurely retreat. Visitors can enjoy rides on the park’s miniature train or explore the area on railway bicycles, marveling at attractions such as the White Pagoda, remnants of the railway, Longshan Locks, and the Nan Song Di Jing Square. Strolling along the raised pathways, one can gaze into the ebbing tides of the Qiantang River while observing the graceful flights of seagulls and herons.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of White Pagoda Park
- Vlog about White Pagoda Park
- Attractions near White Pagoda Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day |
Location and Transportation
White Pagoda Park is situated at the southern edge of the Fenghuang Mountain within the West Lake Scenic Area in Hangzhou, on the northern bank of the Qiantang River. It is located at 4 Laofuxing Street, Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 39, 500, or 7280, get off at Zhijiang Road Liuhe Pagoda Stop (之江路六和塔站), and walk about 400 meters to the east to reach the park.
Metro: The closest metro station to the White Pagoda Park is Shuicheng Bridge (水澄桥) on Line 4. After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 600 meters to the west to reach the park.
Highlights of White Pagoda Park
White Pagoda
At the heart of White Pagoda Park stands the iconic White Pagoda, which faces the distant Liuhe Pagoda. Rising to a height of approximately 15 meters, this nine-story octagonal tower features graceful architecture with meticulously carved details depicting mountains, waves, and Buddhist motifs on its base, symbolizing the “Nine Mountains and Eight Seas.” The pagoda is topped with a lotus-shaped pedestal adorned with Buddhist scriptures. Each level of the pagoda is intricately adorned with reliefs depicting Buddhist figures and stories, capturing vivid scenes from ancient scriptures.
The White Pagoda Exhibition Hall, located at the base of the tower, offers a comprehensive and immersive narrative about the pagoda’s history and significance. Visitors can explore relics such as fragments of the pagoda’s spire, a 1:10 scale model, and even enjoy a panoramic 3D scan video showcasing the pagoda’s grandeur.
Southern Song Dynasty Geography Square
Nestled at the foot of the White Pagoda lies the Southern Song Dynasty Geography Square, featuring eight large stone maps corresponding to the Eight Great Provinces of the Southern Song Dynasty. These intricately carved maps depict the geographical contours and landmarks of the era, allowing interested visitors to identify their hometowns among the provinces. The square’s sculptures, titled “Encounter,” evoke the bustling atmosphere of ancient travelers traversing the land, recounting tales of bygone prosperity. This square offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the historical geography of the Southern Song Dynasty, adding a layer of cultural depth to their exploration of White Pagoda Park.
Steam Locomotive
In 1906, construction began on the Jiangshu Railway, marking not only Hangzhou’s but also Zhejiang’s first railway. By 1907, the railway was operational, with five stations – Zhakou, Nanxing, Qingtai, Genshan, and Gongchen – stretching from south to north along the outer perimeter of Hangzhou’s ancient city walls. The southern terminus, Zhakou Station, was located within what is now White Pagoda Park.
With the opening of White Pagoda Park, the railway tracks were transformed into leisurely walking paths. Within the park, visitors can encounter two trains: a restored steam locomotive, showcasing the ambiance of Zhakou Station, and a sightseeing steam train available for ticketed rides. Currently priced at 10 yuan per person, tickets are available for morning and afternoon sessions. Departing from the western platform, the sightseeing train offers a scenic journey through the entirety of the park, concluding at the White Pagoda. A round trip on the train takes approximately 20 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks from the comfort of a nostalgic steam train ride.
