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The Four-Gate Pagoda, located 4 kilometers northeast of Liubu Town, Licheng District, Jinan, Shandong Province, is China's only surviving Sui Dynasty stone pagoda and the earliest surviving single-story pavilion-style stone pagoda. A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Site, it is the earliest surviving all-stone Buddhist pagoda in China and, along with the Zhaozhou Bridge, is a prime example of early Chinese stone architecture. Originally part of Shentong Temple, the oldest temple in Shandong, the pagoda was destroyed by fire in the late Qing Dynasty, leaving behind Buddhist relics including the Four-Gate Pagoda, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, the Nine-Peaked Pagoda, the tomb pagoda forest, and cliff carvings.
The Four-Gate Pagoda, constructed entirely of bluestone, is China's oldest and best-preserved single-story pavilion-style stone pagoda. It is also the earliest extant pavilion-style pagoda. Located at Shentong Temple, 4 kilometers northeast of Liubu Town, Licheng District, Jinan City, Shandong Province, mainland China, it is also the earliest extant stone pagoda in China.
Jinan has a temperate monsoon climate with obvious monsoons and distinct four seasons: dry and rainy spring, warm and rainy summer, cool and dry autumn, and cold and snowy winter.
Recommended one-day tour
30 yuan/person
07:30-17:30
The Four-Gate Tower, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, is a historically significant landmark in Jinan. It symbolizes the cultural heritage of the city and is an example of classical Chinese architecture. The tower was constructed as part of the city's city wall defense system but now serves as a cultural and tourist attraction.
The Four-Gate Tower is located in the city center of Jinan, Shandong, near the intersection of Baotu Spring Road and Gongyuan Road. It can be reached by bus, taxi, or a short walk from the city center. The nearest metro station is about 15 minutes away by foot.
The Four-Gate Tower is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It’s best to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
The entrance fee is around 20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the tower, and some platforms offer online ticketing for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during weekends or public holidays to avoid waiting in long lines.
It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the tower and the surrounding area, including enjoying the views from the observation deck and taking photos.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be offered in Chinese and occasionally in English, depending on availability.
Start by visiting the base of the tower and then head to the observation deck for the best views. Afterward, explore the surrounding park area for a relaxing stroll.
There are no regular night visits or light shows at the tower, but it is beautifully illuminated at night, making it an attractive site for evening photography.
The tower tends to be less crowded on weekdays, especially in the morning. Weekends and holidays are the busiest, so it’s better to visit early in the day if possible.
Basic facilities such as restrooms are available near the entrance. There are no food or drink facilities inside the tower, but there are nearby cafes and shops where you can buy refreshments.
The attraction is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though there may be some stairs leading up to the observation deck. It is not fully wheelchair accessible due to the structure of the tower.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, and credit cards are also widely accepted. Cash is not necessary but can be used as an alternative.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at many of the nearby restaurants. Halal food options are also available at specific halal eateries in Jinan.
There are souvenir shops near the tower selling items such as traditional Chinese crafts, local artwork, and souvenirs related to Jinan’s landmarks.
