Yuxiang Book Tower

Yuxiang Book Tower

Located at the foot of Yuebo Mountain on the north side of Dongqian Lake, it is one of the Ten Scenic Spots around Dongqian Lake. With bamboo-covered hillsides and willows along the shore creating a picturesque scene, you can listen to birdsong in the valley by the stream or climb up to admire the misty lake and shimmering waters.

In the fifth year of the Chunxi era during the Southern Song Dynasty (1178), Yue King Shi Hao first built the “Yuebo Tower” and stacked rocks to form cliffs, constructing the “Baotuo Cave Heaven.” It was bestowed with an imperial plaque inscribed “Compassion and Universal Relief.” Later, a temple was built nearby, which was officially named “Yuebo Temple” in the 15th year of the Hongwu era during the Ming Dynasty (1382). During the Wanli era (1573–1620), Yu Edding, using the abandoned site of Yuebo Temple, constructed a manor that faced the lake and leaned against the mountain, spanning approximately a hundred acres. Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty once bestowed the inscription “Famed Mountain Cave Mansion.” In his later years, Yu spent his time reading here for pleasure, and inspired by the meaning of Tao Yuanming’s “Ode to the Return,” he named it “Wuliu Manor.” Within it were the “Daily Stroll Garden,” “Returning Hall,” “Awareness Studio,” “Morning Glow Pavilion,” and “Looking-Up Terrace,” collectively known as “Shuyuan Garden.” The beauty of this garden estate reached its peak during that time. Later generations referred to it as “Yuxiang Book Tower.” It was later destroyed in wartime, and the temple also disappeared, yet the reputation of this scenic site remains.

Address: At the foot of Yuebo Mountain on the north side of Dongqian Lake, Yinzhou District, Ningbo City

Type: Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Ticket Information:

Free admission.