Hao Gu Pagoda

Hao Gu Pagoda

Hao Gu Pagoda is a cultural tourism attraction.

Hao Gu Pagoda was one of the “Seven Pagodas and Eight Temples” of ancient Jiaxing. It earned its name because it lies to the north of the city moat, whose winding waters resemble the shape of a leg. Legend has it that Su Dongpo once came here to drink tea and discussed matters with the monk Wen (Xu Wei) in this very place.

Hao Gu Pagoda and its temple were extremely prosperous during the Song and Yuan dynasties. With the comprehensive development and construction of Jiaxing’s South Lake Scenic Area, calls for restoring the historic sites of Jiahe have been growing louder. In 2002, Nanhu Scenic Development Co., Ltd. invested 12 million yuan to rebuild the pagoda at the former site of Shao Garden on Nanhu Lake. After one year of construction, the Hao Gu Pagoda complex was opened to the public on January 19, 2004, forming a harmonious whole with the newly built Nanhu Fishing Village.

The newly built Hao Gu Pagoda stands 63.4 meters tall, has seven stories and four sides, and covers a construction area of 2,200 square meters. The pagoda body features a pavilion-style design with surrounding corridors. The architecture follows the style of the Song Dynasty, with upturned eaves adorned with wind chimes. When the breeze blows, the 28 chimes produce a delightful “ding-dong” sound. The spire is made of pure gold-plated copper, using 3 kilograms of pure gold.

Hao Gu Pagoda is currently the only climbable pagoda in the urban area. Inside, 179 wooden steps spiral upwards, allowing visitors to climb to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire South Lake. For convenience, a small elevator inside the pagoda also goes straight to the top. From the summit, you can gaze far into the distance: the delicate and exquisite Yue Wu Tower of South Lake to the east; the majestic administrative center to the south; the grand Nanhu Bridge, like a long rainbow lying across the water, to the west; and the densely packed high-rises of the city to the north — offering a full view of all of Jiaxing.

The accompanying pagoda courtyard was built on a 2-meter-high platform. In front of the courtyard is a large stone screen wall, flanked by tall ginkgo trees.

Upon entering the gate of the Hao Gu Pagoda courtyard, the octagonal Bell Tower lies to the east. The massive bronze bell is engraved with the four large characters “Hao Gu Chan Temple” and the “Heart Sutra.” On New Year’s Eve, the symbolic 108 tolls of the bell for happiness and peace were rung here for the first time. Corresponding to it on the west side is the Drum Tower, housing a large drum and connected by corridors on both sides. Between the bell and drum towers lies the main structure of the courtyard — the Mahavira Hall. Though not large in size, the hall houses an exquisitely crafted statue of Guanyin.