Baochu Pagoda

CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou

The pagoda is located on the summit of Baoshishan (Precious Stone Mountain). There is no record of its construction but it is believed that it was built during the Wuyue Kingdom (907–978). The pagoda has been damaged and rebuilt a number of times throughout its history. It was listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 2005.
The seven-story, hexagonal, solid brick pagoda is 45.3 m high. Each side of the base is 3.3 m wide. In the middle of each story on all sides there are round pilasters, between which there are false windows. The spire, which replaced the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) iron one in 1996, consists of an inverted bowl, upturned lotus, stacked rings, canopy, jewel, and finial. The tall pagoda body standing on a narrow base gives the building a slim, elegant appearance.