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The White Pagoda, also known as the "West Pagoda," "Ruiguang Pagoda," and "Civilization Pagoda," is a landmark of Anhai Ancient Town. It is located northeast of Chaoran Pavilion at Anping Bridge on the west bank of Anhai. Standing 20.55 meters tall, the pagoda is a five-story, hexagonal brick and stone pavilion-style structure imitating wood. It is hollow inside and ascends with a spiral staircase. Its exterior is coated with white lime, earning it the nickname "White Pagoda." Its stone base, particularly at the corners of the hexagonal pedestal, is supported by stone reliefs of powerful warriors. Each warrior has a unique form, with exaggerated movements and vivid expressions. Stone railings enclose the pagoda.
Construction began in 1152, the 22nd year of the Shaoxing reign of the Southern Song Dynasty, the same year Anping Bridge was completed. Villagers used surplus funds from the bridge's construction to build the tower. Its white color suggests it was built to honor the Five Wisdom Tathagatas of the Vajra Realm and, secondly, to utilize their powerful magic to suppress water demons and monsters beneath the Wulichang Bridge. It served as the "Bridge-Suppressing Tower." Renovated several times during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was renamed the "Civilization Tower" after its renovation in 1606, the 34th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty.
In ancient times, the legend of "lighting the white pagoda and passing the imperial examination" was widely circulated. Today, it and the Wuli Long Bridge together form a magnificent picture of "white pagoda soaring in the sky and rainbow spanning the sea".
With its subtropical monsoon climate, the setting sun and the ancient and solemn White Pagoda, it is a good place to travel in all seasons.
The exterior of the white pagoda, with its red tiles now black, mottled white walls, and overgrown weeds, adds a sense of age. The fifth floor of the pagoda has six arches, while the remaining four floors have only one arch on the west side facing Anping Bridge. The remaining five sides have only arched niches.
The tower base is made of stone, and each corner of the hexagonal base is supported by a stone relief of a strong man. Each strong man has a different shape, barefoot and chested, kneeling with his hands clasped behind his back, and his head against the semi-column, with a very vivid expression.
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The Anhai White Pagoda was originally built during the Tang Dynasty and is one of the oldest pagodas in the region. It stands as a historical monument, symbolizing the area's Buddhist heritage and the cultural significance of Quanzhou during ancient times.
The Anhai White Pagoda is located in Anhai Town, Quanzhou, Fujian Province. It can be accessed by taxi from the city center or by local bus. Walking is also an option if you're staying nearby, as the pagoda is within a short distance from the town center.
The pagoda is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit, as the weather is cooler and the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance or at nearby ticket offices. Online booking options are typically not available.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, as tickets can be purchased on-site. However, during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to arrive early to avoid waiting in line.
You’ll need around 1-2 hours to fully explore the pagoda and its surroundings, including climbing to the top and taking in the views.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and you can arrange for a guide at the entrance. Audio guides may not be readily available, so it's recommended to opt for a tour guide if you want more detailed information about the pagoda’s history and significance.
Start by exploring the base of the pagoda, admiring the architecture. Then, climb to the top for panoramic views. Afterward, take some time to explore the temple grounds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Night visits and light shows are not available. The site is only open during daylight hours, and its serene ambiance is best appreciated in the daytime.
The pagoda can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. The best time to visit is during weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
The site has basic facilities such as public toilets and small rest areas. There are also a few food stalls nearby where visitors can purchase drinks and snacks. There are no large restaurants or shops within the pagoda complex.
The pagoda is accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, the climb to the top of the pagoda may be challenging for those with mobility issues. The surrounding temple grounds are generally flat and easy to navigate.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Credit cards may also be accepted at some places in the vicinity of the pagoda.
There are small food stalls near the pagoda, offering snacks and beverages. For more dining options, visitors can head to Anhai Town, where there are various restaurants serving local Fujian cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at the nearby food stalls, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It's recommended to check restaurants in Anhai Town for more variety.
There are various hotels and guesthouses in Anhai Town, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range options. Some accommodations may offer views of the pagoda.
There are small souvenir shops near the pagoda selling local crafts, such as traditional tea sets, porcelain, and religious trinkets like incense burners and small Buddha statues.
Taxis are the most convenient way to continue your trip after visiting the pagoda. You can also take a local bus to explore other parts of Anhai or Quanzhou.
