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Climb to the top of Wenfeng Tower for panoramic views of Yangzhou city, stroll through the surrounding gardens, and explore the historical architecture of the tower.
Wenfeng Pagoda, located on the east bank of the Zuoyun Canal south of Yangzhou City, is famous for its tower and is now a tourist attraction. The area surrounding the pagoda was originally called Sanwanzi, a necessary passage from the ancient canal to the Yangtze River during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It is said that Jianzhen also departed from here on his second, fourth, and sixth crossings.
Wenfeng Pagoda was built in 1582, the tenth year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. With the support of then-prefect Yu Deye and other local officials, the monk Zhencun sold his weapons and raised funds. Regarding this event, Ming Dynasty scholar and Vice Minister of War Wang Shizhen wrote in his "Wenfeng Pagoda Record": "This monk received tonsure from a master at Shaolin Temple and was given the name Zhencun. He took his alms bowl and went to Futian Temple outside the South Gate to observe the summer retreat. Inspired by the story of King Ashoka, he developed a remarkable vision and planned to build a pagoda..." Upon the completion of the pagoda, the then-Minister of Justice Shao Yushi heard about it and was delighted. He named it "Wenfeng Pagoda," integrating culture, religion, and folk customs.
The spire "radiates brilliant light, like countless threads spiraling upward, like a solitary peak rising into the clouds, drawing admiration from both land and sea." Wenfeng Pagoda is a seven-story brick-and-wood pavilion-style pagoda, with eight arches on each floor. The ground floor features a corridor, while floors two through seven have cantilevered corridors. The tower's main structural components are clad in blue bricks and tiles, standing nearly 50 meters tall. Its summit is crowned by an octagonal peaked roof. From a distance, the Wenfeng Pagoda appears both delicate and majestic, demonstrating the exceptional skill of ancient Chinese pagoda construction.
The subtropical monsoon climate makes climbing to the top of the tower a sensation of "clouds brushing against my clothes, the sky so close that it's hard to scratch my head." As the sun rises, the tower's shadow is reflected in the waters of the ancient Grand Canal, like a pen dipped in an inkstone. It's a great place to visit in all seasons.
The winding canal flows endlessly, and boats sail leisurely. Towering pagodas stand tall, and ancient temples remain serene. Visit Wenfeng Pagoda and explore its rich history.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
10 yuan/person
Open all day
Wenfeng Tower, originally built in the Ming Dynasty, is a significant historical landmark in Yangzhou. It symbolizes the city's cultural heritage and offers stunning views of the city and the nearby Slender West Lake.
Wenfeng Tower is located in the city center of Yangzhou, near Slender West Lake. It can be reached by taxi, local buses, or on foot if staying nearby.
The tower is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler weather.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the tower’s entrance, and online booking is also available for convenience.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless visiting during peak seasons or holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance is recommended for better planning.
A visit to Wenfeng Tower can take about 1-1.5 hours, including climbing the tower and exploring the surrounding area.
Must-see highlights include the panoramic view from the top of the tower, the detailed architecture of the tower itself, and the nearby gardens that offer a peaceful retreat.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some private guides may offer tours in English. Audio guides are available in Chinese.
The best viewpoint is from the top of Wenfeng Tower, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Yangzhou and Slender West Lake. The surrounding gardens also offer great photo opportunities.
Start by exploring the garden area, then proceed to the tower and climb to the top for the views. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk around the grounds surrounding the tower.
Night visits and light shows are not available. The tower is typically closed after dark, but the area around the tower is still beautiful for evening strolls.
The tower can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially early mornings, are the best times to visit for fewer crowds.
Basic facilities, including toilets, are available near the tower. There are food stalls selling snacks and drinks, but for a larger variety, visitors can explore nearby restaurants in the city.
The tower has stairs, so it may not be fully accessible for those with mobility issues. However, the surrounding gardens are more accessible for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted, and cash is also an option. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller shops inside the attraction.
There are a few small cafes and food stalls near the tower. For a wider variety, visitors can head to the city center, where there are many local restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants. Halal food options may be found in some areas of Yangzhou, especially around the central district.
There are several hotels near Wenfeng Tower, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Luxury hotels can be found in the downtown area of Yangzhou.
Nearby attractions include Slender West Lake, Yangzhou Museum, and Daming Temple, which are all easily accessible and can be visited together in one day.
Souvenir shops around the tower sell traditional crafts, cultural items, and local products. Common souvenirs include tea sets, jade items, and local snacks.
Taxis, local buses, and private cars are available for transportation. Yangzhou’s central area is well-connected, making it easy to continue exploring by public transport or on foot.
