Zhan'ao Tower

Zhan'ao Tower

(Photograph by Wang Feiqing)

Zhan'ao Tower is a protected cultural heritage site of Zhejiang Province.

Located in the Tide-Watching Scenic Park, Zhan'ao Tower, also known as Zhenhai Tower, is a pavilion-style Buddhist pagoda built to honor the Tide God. Originally constructed during the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, it has a history of over 380 years. It is a typical Chinese-style pagoda and the most exquisite among ancient towers along the coast of Zhejiang, China.

Zhan'ao Tower is 40 meters high with a diameter of 25 meters. It has a hexagonal base, appears to have seven stories from the outside, but actually contains eight levels inside. Built with a brick body and wooden floors, its grand and magnificent design is striking. Climbing Zhan'ao Tower to watch the “one-line tide” is the most distinctive feature of viewing the tidal bore in Haining. From the tower, you can take in the full view of the ancient Yanguan City, as well as catch glimpses of Hangzhou’s Jade Emperor Hill and the Eastern Hill of Xiashi.

Related Legend: In ancient Chinese mythology, the “Ao” is a giant fish with human-like emotions, but its joy or anger can trigger disasters such as tsunamis. The “tower,” on the other hand, is a sacred object in Buddhism believed to subdue demons. Thus, people built the “Zhan’ao Tower”…

…to pray for the suppression of the Ao fish so that it could no longer stir up trouble and endanger humanity. When the Ao fish remains still, the sea becomes tranquil. Hence, “Zhan’ao Tower” is also called “Zhenhai Tower.” Like the other scenic attraction on the seawall — the Iron Ox of Zhenhai — it is one of the creations of ancient Chinese people in their pursuit of a better life.

Photo: Taken by Wang Feiqing on October 19, 2012, in Yanguan

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites of Zhejiang Province