Baochu Pagoda

The most famous structure on Baoshishan Mountain is undoubtedly the Baochu Pagoda. Built during the Wuyue period of the Five Dynasties (907-960), it was rebuilt in 1933, and its exterior remains intact to this day. It is an octagonal, seven-story, solid brick pagoda with a simulated wooden structure, consisting of a base, main body, and top, reaching a height of 45.3 meters.

Everyone knows Leifeng Pagoda, the one depicting Bai Suzhen at the Battle of Fahai. But what about Baochu Pagoda? It was first built during the Wuyue Period (907-960 AD) by King Qian Liu of Wuyue. Originally, it had nine stories. It underwent six renovations during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The 1933 renovation preserved its exterior to this day.

Chu Pagoda is a traditional ancient structure built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. According to records, Wu Yanshuang began construction during the last years of the Five Dynasties (948-960), with nine stories. During the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty (998-1003), the monk Yongbao, known simply as "Baoshu," raised funds for ten years and rebuilt the pagoda, giving it seven stories. The pagoda has undergone numerous renovations throughout history, but the current solid structure was rebuilt in 1933, following the original pagoda's original design. In 1997, the decaying pagoda top was replaced and renovated, and since then, the pagoda has remained intact to this day.

It is located on the north side of West Lake, near Baoshishan Mountain. There are road signs to see, and it is relatively close to North Mountain Street of West Lake.

Actually, it is located next to the West Lake, where you can enjoy the sunset. The ancient tower is tangible, recalling the prosperity of ancient Yue.

Baochu Pagoda on Baoshishan Mountain in the distance. The inscription says it was built to protect Qian Hongchu, the King of Wuyue, on his return from his journey north to the capital. The current solid pagoda was renovated in 1933, following the original style.

The pagoda's name has an interesting story. Wu Yanshuang, a Buddhist during the Five Dynasties period, built a nine-story pagoda to house the relics of the Tang Dynasty monk Shandao of Dongyang. Convicted of treason, Wu Yanshuang failed to give the pagoda an official name, so the locals simply called it "Baota." During the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty, Yongbao, a monk revered as "Master Uncle," suffered from eye problems and spent ten years fundraising to rebuild the pagoda. The pagoda, resplendent in his spirit, was renamed "Baoshu Pagoda" in his memory. As the name "Baoshu Pagoda" stuck for so long, people began to interpret it literally, fabricating the legend that "Song's wife built the pagoda to protect her younger uncle." In the late Ming Dynasty, some scholars, convinced of the immorality of this name, launched a "name rectification campaign" inspired by Daoist principles, creating a new story: Wu Yanshuang built the pagoda to pray for the king's safety. Later, the story of "Wu Yanshuang building the 'Baochu Pagoda'" became widely circulated, and the name of the pagoda "Baochu Pagoda" became popular.

Baochu Pagoda is located on Baoshishan Mountain. It was built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period to protect the return of Qian Hongchu, the King of Wuyue, from his journey north to the capital. It is also very charming when viewed from Baidi Bridge.

Baochu Pagoda is located on Baoshishan Mountain, so it doesn't seem special. However, when viewed from a distance from West Lake, especially against the backdrop of the setting sun, it looks quite poetic.

The Flowing Clouds of Precious Stones is one of the new ten scenic spots of West Lake. You can hike up the mountain.

Baochu is like a beauty, Lei Feng is like an old monk. The pagoda built by Wuyue King Qian Liu has collapsed, but during the Republic of China period, this solid pagoda was renovated to its original appearance and is still worth a visit. Unlike the rugged appearance of ordinary Buddhist pagodas, Baochu Pagoda is graceful and slender. Standing on the top of Beishan Mountain, it echoes Leifeng Pagoda in the distance, creating a unique atmosphere.

Standing by the lake, looking at Leifeng in the south and Baochu in the north, it can be said that "one lake reflects two towers, facing each other from north to south". Leifeng is stable, and Baochu is clear and sharp. "There are two pagodas on the lake, Leifeng is like an old monk, and Baochu is like a beauty". What Wen Qixiang said in the late Ming Dynasty is just right, and the ancients did not deceive me.

Leifeng Pagoda on Xizhao Mountain and Baochu Pagoda on Baoshi Mountain stand opposite each other across the lake, earning them the reputation of "Leifeng is like an old monk, Baochu is like a beautiful woman." Baochu Pagoda was originally named Yingtian Pagoda, but the one we see today is a solid, seven-story, eight-sided pagoda rebuilt in its original form during the Republic of China era. Although Baochu Pagoda lacks its eaves and platform, it remains a symbol of West Lake. Viewing Baochu Pagoda from West Lake is a delight, but climbing Baoshi Mountain and overlooking West Lake from the foot of Baochu Pagoda is also a truly special experience.

Baochu Pagoda is located on a small hill next to West Lake. There are people living on the hill. It is not very high and it takes less than fifteen minutes to climb up the gentle stone steps. One or two aunts and uncles who got up early to exercise were flexing their muscles on the flat ground.

Because the climb was unexpectedly easy and there were fewer people, we finished the two-hour project in about half an hour.

In the first year of the Taiping Xingguo reign of the Song Dynasty, Qian Chu, the King of Wuyue, was horrified to learn that the Southern Tang had been destroyed by the Song Dynasty. He brought his family to the Song court. Fearing his family would be detained in the capital, he made a vow before the Buddha, promising to build a pagoda upon his return, if the Buddha could guarantee their safe return. Upon Qian Chu's arrival, the emperor treated him courteously, offering him a house and generous rewards. He allowed his family to stay for two months before allowing them to return to Hangzhou. Before their departure, the emperor gifted Qian Chu a tightly sealed yellow scroll, instructing him to read it carefully on the way. Upon arrival, Qian Chu opened it and found a memorial from his ministers urging the emperor to keep Qian Chu in the capital. Overwhelmed with emotion and fear, Qian Chu built a pagoda upon his return, thanking the Buddha for his and his family's safe return. This pagoda became known as the "Baochu Pagoda."

Another contemporary of King Qian Chu of Wuyue was Li Yu, who wrote "I can't bear to look back at my homeland under the bright moon."

See the travelogue "Remembering Hangzhou - Beauty in the South of the Yangtze River" http://www.mafengwo.cn/i/6744236.html

This was the last attraction I hurriedly checked out before catching the train. It's a great spot for overlooking Hangzhou and the north side of West Lake. The tower itself is quite nice, too.

Baochu Pagoda is a traditional ancient structure built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Located on Baoshishan Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, it is also known as Baoshu Pagoda, Baoshi Pagoda, Baosuo Pagoda, and Baosuo Pagoda. Construction is said to have begun during the last years of the Five Dynasties (948-960). Originally nine stories, it was built to protect the return of Qian Hongchu, King of Wuyue, from his journey north to the capital. During the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty (998-1003), it was renovated to seven stories. Renovated several times throughout history, the current solid pagoda was rebuilt in 1933, in the 22nd year of the Republic of China (1933), in keeping with the original pagoda's appearance. In 1997, the decaying pagoda top was replaced and renovated, and since then, Baochu Pagoda has remained intact to this day.

The tower itself is definitely better from below, but you can overlook the entire West Lake from the top.

Chuta



One autumn, the elder brother was drafted into the army by the government. On his way, he encountered his younger brother, who was away on his own. The younger brother, having heard of the impending war, felt the chaos and unrest outside and missed his brothers and sisters-in-law. So, he said goodbye to his master, packed his belongings, and hurried home. Unexpectedly, he met his elder brother, and the two of them, overwhelmed with joy and sorrow, embraced and cried bitterly.



The elder brother said to his younger brother, "Brother, you are back just in time.



Once I leave, I have no idea whether I will live or die, and I don’t know when I can come back.



Your sister-in-law and nephew are the only ones left at home. Please take good care of them.” The younger brother was very sad when he heard this. He said to the elder brother, “Brother, you have already started a family, your sister-in-law is young, and your nephew is still young. How can you be at ease with this family? I am not married yet, I am all alone, even if I die on the battlefield, I have nothing to worry about. Let me go in your place!” The elder brother said, “When my parents died, they told me to raise you to adulthood. How could I let you go?” But the younger brother had made up his mind. He took the elder brother to a remote place, gave him the silver and parcels he had, told him to go home quickly, and turned around to follow the team.



When the prince returned home and told his wife what had happened, she was so moved that she shed tears. She burned incense to the heavens, praying for her uncle's safety and a speedy return. She also vowed to build a pagoda for his eternal life as a token of his gratitude. From then on, she lived frugally, saving every penny. A few years later, she built a blue brick pagoda on Baoshi Mountain.



Later, a newly appointed prefect of Hangzhou was touring West Lake and came across the Baoshu Pagoda. He heard that the pagoda was built by a sister-in-law to protect her younger uncle. Suspicious, he suspected an affair between the uncle and the sister-in-law. He grabbed a brush and wrote a satirical poem on the pagoda: "Why protect your uncle but not your husband? How close is your uncle, and how distant is your husband? Even if you scoop up all the water in the Qianjiang River, you can't wash away the stain of your beloved woman's life."



The news of the prefect's poem on the pagoda soon reached the sister-in-law. Furious, she wrote four lines of poetry alongside the prefect's, expressing her own feelings: "My uncle went off to war in my place, and to repay his kindness I built the pagoda. My heart is as clear as the waters of West Lake, so why bother guessing, my lord?"



After reading the sister-in-law's poem, people finally understood why she had built the tower for her younger uncle. They praised her gratitude and gratitude, saying she understood the principles of life. Later, some scholars decided to add the character for "person" to the character for "shu," and the tower became the "Baoshu Tower."

The pagoda is called the Baochu Pagoda. The original, the Gemstone Pagoda, was built by Wu Yanshuang, a minister of the Later Zhou Dynasty and the maternal uncle of Qian Hongchu, the last king of Wuyue during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Later, the renowned Northern Song Dynasty monk, Master Yongbao, suffering from eye problems, raised funds through ten years of begging and rebuilt the pagoda, renaming it the "Baoshu Pagoda." Finally, Zhao Zhiyou, the mayor of Hangzhou during the Republic of China, restored it to its original form as the "Baochu Pagoda."

There's a rather embarrassing legend surrounding the Baoshu Pagoda. Legend has it that while a young uncle was having sex, he suddenly heard a scream, followed by the sobbing of his wife. The sister-in-law, who lived across the room, sensed something was amiss and rushed in with a shoe-sole awl. She aimed it at the uncle's buttocks, startling him and tumbling off the bed. The uncle was saved. It turned out that the sister-in-law's husband had also died during sex, having lost his wife. So, hearing the screams and the sobbing of his wife, she took the initiative to save him.

In feudal society, such a thing was unspeakable and could not be seen. Later, the sister-in-law, feeling ashamed to face the world, committed suicide. To repay the sister-in-law for saving her life, the uncle and his wife built this tower to commemorate her. Hence, it is called the "Uncle Protection Tower."

——From Baidu.

I don't know anything. I'm just a porter. Are you going to Baidu to find out what "一马跑空" means?

The building is very beautiful, corresponding to the Leifeng Pagoda, and the building itself is also very impressive!

I just looked at it from a distance, and it has a slender shape.

The Baochu Pagoda in the photo is just the background, haha, I’ll show you its front face next time.

The three pagodas of Hangzhou, Baochu, Leifeng, and Liuhe, resemble a general. It is recorded that Baochu Pagoda was first built during the last years of the Five Dynasties (948-960 AD) and originally had nine stories to protect Qian Hongchu, the King of Wu and Yue, on his return from his journey north to the capital. It was rebuilt during the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty (998-1003 AD) and given seven stories.

You can see it by climbing up the Gem Mountain. I don't know what history it has.

It's good, go hiking, you can go there on weekends

Baochu Pagoda, built by Wu Yanshuang during the reign of King Wuyue, has nine stories and has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. On clear days, the pagoda towers tower over the clouds, its golden brilliance filling the sky. It is said that Leifeng resembles an old monk, and Baochu resembles a beautiful woman. It is a symbol of West Lake. The current pagoda was rebuilt in 1933, following the original design.

Baochu Pagoda is a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Baochu Pagoda on Baoshishan Mountain is a traditional ancient structure built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. After several renovations, the current solid pagoda was renovated in 1933, following the original pagoda's original form. In 1997, the decaying pagoda top was replaced and renovated, and the pagoda has remained intact ever since. This area is relatively untouched, offering panoramic views of West Lake and a relatively low mountain, making it a suitable destination.

As you continue up the path from Baochu Pagoda, you'll pass by a bookshop called the Age of Innocence. Looking down at West Lake from Baochu Pagoda, it feels as if the entire landscape is right before your eyes. Many views you normally see from land feel vaster when you're up there. If you have plenty of time, I highly recommend going up Baochu Pagoda; there aren't many mountain paths to hike up.

It's on the Gem Mountain. The tower is very high, but you can't get in...

At night, I climbed up Baoji Mountain and visited Baochu Pagoda. It was really beautiful like a girl. I didn’t go to Leifeng Pagoda, so I can’t compare it. But I think it is worth it. It is a great place to enjoy the West Lake.

I have been to West Lake many times, but I have never been to this tower. This photo shows me looking at the tower from a cruise ship.

Baochu Pagoda is an ancient Han Chinese building built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. [1] Located on Baoshishan Mountain in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, it is also known as Baoshu Pagoda, Baoshi Pagoda, Baosuo Pagoda, and Baosuo Pagoda. It is recorded that it was first built during the last years of the Five Dynasties (948-960). It originally had nine stories and was built to bless the Wuyue King Qian Hongchu to return to the capital from his journey north. During the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty (998-1003), it was changed to seven stories. It has been rebuilt many times throughout the dynasties. The current solid pagoda was renovated in 1933 according to the original appearance of the ancient pagoda. In 1997, the decayed pagoda top was replaced and renovated. Since then, Baochu Pagoda has remained intact to this day.

West Lake boasts two towers and three embankments. The two towers are Leifeng Pagoda and Baochu Pagoda. Strolling along the lake's shores, you can often spot the shadow of Baochu Pagoda, quietly standing by the shore, blending naturally into the scenery. Compared to the two towers, Baochu Pagoda is slender and tranquil, while Leifeng Pagoda is solemn and stable; they are easy to distinguish.

Baochu Pagoda is located on Baoshishan Mountain, where there are fewer tourists. Those who like quiet time can come here for a walk. From here, you can overlook West Lake and have a beautiful view from a high vantage point. There is a road leading here on the way from Broken Bridge to Su Causeway. In my opinion, Leifeng Pagoda is more modern and even has an elevator, giving people the feeling that it is only for viewing from a distance and not for playing. Baochu Pagoda is different. It still gives people a sense of ancient nature as a whole, without too much modern atmosphere. It is worth a visit.

Overlooking the West Lake and the panoramic view of the Broken Bridge, the Baoshu Tower stands alone.

You can watch the sunset and sunrise. Play Su Causeway. It's super fun. There are a few high rocks over there. You can look for them, but they are not easy to find. Just walk up the road on Su Causeway. There is a small path leading up. If you don't know where it is, you can ask passers-by. I highly recommend everyone to go there~ If you have time

The shape of the tower is interesting, and those who study ancient architecture will probably like it more.

Baochu Pagoda was built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It is located on Baoshi Mountain next to West Lake. On weekends, many people come to climb Baoshi Mountain to see the West Lake from a high place.

I couldn't go in, and I was in a hurry to watch the sunrise so I didn't know much. - -

Not everyone knows Baoshu Pagoda, but when you tell them that besides Leifeng Pagoda, there is another famous pagoda next to West Lake, that is Baoshu Pagoda.

The Baoshu Pagoda is located on Baoshi Mountain. It is very slender and pointed like a needle. You can definitely see it when you visit West Lake in Hangzhou.

I still recommend going up to Baoshu Pagoda for a visit, after all, it is not our ticket. However, it should be noted that it is very difficult to walk on the stone hill below Baoshu Pagoda because the stone steps are very smooth.

Climb up the path from the north edge of West Lake and stand under the tower to overlook the Broken Bridge.

There are beautiful scenery everywhere along the West Lake. I think the best place to appreciate the West Lake is on Baoshishan Mountain.

Baochu beauty, Lei Feng monk ~ climbing Baoshishan Mountain to see West Lake, it’s great.

Cross the Broken Bridge and walk in. To the upper left of Taitou is Leifeng Pagoda, and to the upper right is Baochu Pagoda. Leifeng Pagoda is a reconstruction, while Baochu Pagoda is the authentic one. The tower in the distance in the picture below is Baochu Pagoda, standing opposite Leifeng Pagoda. Some say that Baochu Pagoda resembles a slender woman gazing at Xishi from afar.

I went to Baoshu Tower once with two or three friends. The air there was fresh, the flowers were in full bloom, and the birds were chirping.

Baochu Pagoda, also known as Baoshu Pagoda, Baoshi Pagoda, Baosuo Pagoda, and Baosuo Pagoda, was reportedly built during the late Five Dynasties period (948-960). Originally nine stories, it was renovated during the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty (998-1003) to seven. Renovated several times throughout history, the current solid pagoda was renovated in 1933, in the 22nd year of the Republic of China, in the style of the original pagoda.

Baochu Pagoda is located on Baoshi Mountain. I often visited it when I was a child. It is a small solid pagoda. Baoshi Liuxia, one of the ten scenic spots of West Lake, is about Baoshi Mountain and Baochu Pagoda. The mountain is not very high. It is close to the side of Beishan Road. You can get a panoramic view of West Lake from the top and then go down to Geling. It is very pleasant.

The solid iron tower is said to have existed during the Warring States Period. It now stands on Baochu Mountain and is very historical.

That evening, after finishing my meal at Louwailou in the Hangzhou Botanical Garden, I strolled along West Lake. Suddenly, I had the whim to take advantage of the clear night sky and visit Baochu Pagoda for a panoramic view of the lake. From Baopu Taoist Temple, I slowly ascended the mountain. The Hangzhou summer night after the rain was refreshing and refreshing, the air tinged with the aroma of earth. Reaching the top of Baoshishan Mountain, I was captivated by the stunning night view of West Lake, completely worth the effort. Descending from Baochu Pagoda, I entered the Pure Age bookstore. Sitting by the window, I gazed at the night view of the Broken Bridge, sipping a refreshing cup of tea and enjoying the beautiful summer night. Wouldn't you like to give it a try?

The tower is pointed and is less majestic and more ancient than the newly built Leifeng Pagoda.

It's a non-mainstream tourist attraction. The weather was bad and the fog was heavy, so I couldn't see the West Lake clearly...

It's a very beautiful tower, but you can't go inside. I don't know if it's solid or sealed.

This is a scenic spot very close to the West Lake. It is together with the Baoshu Mountain. Halfway up the mountain, you can see the Baoshu Tower. If you are in good physical condition, you can choose to continue climbing. Please note that it is climbing, because the top is not easy to walk on. It is just a big rock, so you have to use your hands and feet. People who are afraid of heights should not go up. However, the scenery you can see after going up is also invisible from the bottom. You can sit down, enjoy the breeze, and overlook the West Lake. It's super awesome. In addition, you can go to the fountain at night and see the Baoshu Mountain that you climbed during the day from another angle. It looks particularly beautiful under the cooperation of lights.

The scenery at Baochu Pagoda is very good. You can see the entire West Lake. There are also some entertainment facilities, hills, pavilions, and some for those who have played there.

It is a beautiful view to overlook Baochu Pagoda from the Broken Bridge.

Baochu Pagoda is located atop Baoshishan Mountain. It is generally believed to have been built during the reign of Qian Liu, King of Wuyue. During the Xianping period of the Northern Song Dynasty (998-1003), it was rebuilt with seven stories. From the Yanyou period of the Yuan Dynasty (1314-1320) to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566), the pagoda was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. In 1579, during the seventh year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, it was rebuilt into a seven-story pavilion, offering panoramic views. In 1924, the pagoda began to tilt and was rebuilt into a solid brick structure with seven stories on eight sides. It stands 45.3 meters tall, with a side length of 3.26 meters at the bottom. The iron components of the pagoda's finial date back to the Ming Dynasty. The decayed finial was replaced in 1997.

Baochu Pagoda is worth a visit. The "chu" in Baochu Pagoda is pronounced "chu" with the fourth tone, so don't read it wrong. In fact, the view of West Lake from Baoshishan should be quite good, but it seems that it has not been developed yet!

Baochu Pagoda was first built over a thousand years ago during the reign of Qian Chu, King Zhongyi of Wuyue during the Later Zhou Dynasty (948-960), during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. From the Yanyou period of the Yuan Dynasty (1314-1320) to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566), the pagoda was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. It is a symbol of West Lake. In the evenings, the colorful sunset illuminates the mottled "Flying Stone" on Baoshi Mountain, reflecting the radiance of West Lake, giving it the name "Baoshi Liuxia." Baoshi Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy the panoramic view of West Lake, especially at sunset. Climbing the rocks and watching the sun slowly set and the lights of West Lake come on, you can feel the tranquility of time.

The beautiful and tall Baochu Pagoda stands tall among them like a graceful young girl. It is said that "Leifeng is like an old monk and Baochu is like a beautiful woman", and it is true.

Baojiao Pagoda, located on Beishan Road, is a mere 10-minute walk away, yet so many people miss it. They say Lei Feng resembles an old monk, and Baojiao resembles a young girl. So why do so many people rush to pay 40 yuan to see the old monk, while no one cares about the free young girl? This is also the place where Wu Song, the famous character from the Water Margin, finally passed away. Another famous monk, Lu Zhishen, also passed away at the Liuhe Pagoda on the banks of the Hangzhou River. To visit Baojiao, take a bus to the foot of Geling Mountain and then climb the road in front of Baojiao Mountain. It takes 10 minutes to reach it.

Every time I go there, it’s at night to see the beautiful night view of West Lake.

In the past, I always took photos on the Broken Bridge of West Lake with Baochu Pagoda as the background. Now I can finally see this pagoda up close. From the small hill next to the pagoda, I can see the scenery of West Lake.

Anyone who has visited West Lake must know Baoshu Pagoda. Yes, the ancient pagoda on the hill on Beishan Road is a scene of West Lake. You can appreciate it without going up the hill. It is a beautiful dream in the heart of every West Lake tourist.

Located on Baoshishan Mountain, it's protected and inaccessible. Baochu Pagoda is a traditional ancient structure built during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. The current solid pagoda was renovated in 1933, following the original style. In 1997, the decayed pagoda top was replaced and renovated, and since then, Baochu Pagoda has remained intact to this day.

Baochu Pagoda is also one of the landmark buildings of West Lake Scenic Area, which is worth the trip. Going further, there are pavilions for taking a rest and painters on the roadside.

A prominent landmark along the West Lake landscape, the tower stands over 40 meters tall, consisting of seven stories and eight sides made of solid brick. From a distance, it resembles a graceful lady, leading to the saying, "Leifeng resembles an old monk, and Baochu resembles a beautiful woman."

I only stayed in Hangzhou for one day, so I didn’t go to Baochu Pagoda. I took a picture while boating on West Lake.

In the morning, beauties rent cars to enjoy the view of Baochu Pagoda from Bai Causeway. At night, Baochu Mountain and Baochu Pagoda, adorned with lights, compete with West Lake for beauty.

I have only seen Baochu Pagoda from a distance on the Broken Bridge, and have never climbed up Geling to see it up close. I like the shape of Baochu Pagoda the most, it is slender and exquisite.

I remember the word in the middle is CHU, haha, this was taken in the hotel room, very satisfied, the card camera of that time

The biggest reward in the evening was climbing Baochu Pagoda at night, enjoying the panoramic view of West Lake from the top of the mountain, and forgetting all the sorrows in my heart.

Baochu is like a beauty

The yellow and green lights on the distant hills complement the Baochu Pagoda, which is very beautiful.

When people take photos on the Broken Bridge, they always like to use Baochu Pagoda as the background of the photos to leave a memory. It is not known when it started, but the slender Baochu Pagoda has become one of the iconic buildings of West Lake and even Hangzhou.