Pazhou Pagoda

Pazhou Pagoda

Pazhou Pagoda (Chinese: 琶洲塔; pinyin: Pázhōu tǎ; Jyutping: paa4zau1taap3), also called Whampoa Pagoda by the westerners, is an ancient Chinese Pagoda located in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, China.[1]

History

The Pazhou Pagoda initiated work in 1597 and it was completely built in 1600.[1] The pagoda is situated on a knoll at the south bank of Pearl River. Although it was built as a Buddhist landmark, it was also a useful navigation point for merchant ship travelling to Guangzhou.[1][2][3]

Architecture

It is an octagonal tower with 9 main sections and 17 sub sections.[4] The tower stands at about 59 metres and has a diameter at the base of 12.7 metres.[4] It covers a total area of 111 square metres.[4][5]

As similar functions to Chigang Pagoda, it was built for Fengshui and allow safe navigation of merchant ships travelling along the Pearl River towards Guangzhou.[4]

Transport

The Pazhou Pagoda is conveniently near to the other famous pagodas in the area such as the Chigang Pagoda and Flower Pagoda. These ancient towers are close proximity to the Chigang Pagoda Station.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Pazhou Pagoda". Source: gz.gov.cn. 2009-11-04.
  2. ↑ "Ancient Architecture of Guangzhou: Pagodas". www.newsgd.com. 2003-05-29.
  3. ↑ "琶洲塔简介".
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 China Travel. "Pazhou Tower".
  5. ↑ "琶洲塔".

Coordinates: 23°05′57″N 113°22′36″E / 23.099071°N 113.376736°E