Hanshan Pagoda

Hanshan Pagoda

Hanshan Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Hanshan Pagoda is located on Hanshan Mountain in Shanlian Town, Huzhou City. It was first built during the Yuanyou era (1086–1093) of the Northern Song Dynasty, rebuilt in the sixth year of the Zhengtong era (1441) of the Ming Dynasty, and renovated again in the 27th year of the Guangxu era (1901) of the Qing Dynasty.

The pagoda is a pavilion-style brick-and-wood structure, octagonal with seven stories, standing 38.5 meters tall and 5.9 meters in diameter. The base is a Sumeru pedestal made of granite. The waist of the pedestal is carved with playful patterns including lions, bats, lotus leaves, lotus flowers, intertwined peonies, and other floral designs, all exquisitely crafted and full of charm. The eaves are extended with five layers of corbelled brickwork, while the corner beams are carved from granite. The hip rafters are covered with roof tiles, and the eave corners were originally adorned with iron bells that rang out crisp, pleasant chimes in the wind. Inside the pagoda, brick steps lead all the way to the top. From the summit, one can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the water town; the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal winds along the mountain, with crisscrossing waterways, shimmering blue waters, and dotted boats. Lush green fields and scattered villages with curling smoke create a beautiful scene of the Jiangnan water region. At the top sits an iron spire composed of a dome, inverted lotus, seven-tiered wheel, canopy, precious jewel, and gourd, standing tall and majestic. In 1984, Hanshan Pagoda was listed as a municipal-level key cultural relic protection unit. It was renovated through fundraising by local sericulturists in 1991, and in 1994, the local government funded a meticulous restoration, bringing the thousand-year-old pagoda back to its former glory.

Shanlian Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Huzhou City, administered by the Nanhui District Working Committee. Established as Shanlian Town in the early years of the Republic of China, it was reorganized as a commune in 1961 and reinstated as a town in 1984. Located in the southeastern part of the city, it is 38 kilometers from downtown. Covering an area of 32 square kilometers with a population of 17,000, the town is connected to National Highway 318 via the Huzhou-Hanshan Road. Waterways such as Qixingqiao Pond, Jiatang Port, Yaojiaqiao Pond, and Yishan Pond intersect across the area, linking to the Hangshen Line B of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It governs ten village committees: Huangfen, Gangnan, Shanlian, Shijiaqiao, Nanyang, Shuangqiao, Pingle, Chejiadou, Jiatang, and Zhangjiadai, as well as three… Detailed information about Shanlian Town++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Zhejiang Province