White Pagoda Hill: Lanzhou’s Historic Hilltop Gem

The White Pagoda Hill is located on the north bank of the Yellow River with a white pagoda temple on top, hence the name. Apart from the white pagoda temple on top of the hill, there are Cloud Moon Temple, Three-star Hall, Luohan (Arhat) Hall and Three-official Hall, and Wind Forest Fragrance Rising Archway.

Opened as a park in 1958, the White Pagoda Hill Park covers more than 8000 square meters with three layers of architectures, most of which are built with overhanging eaves and red columns and connected by pavilions and winding corridors. Today, tourists can see a different Yellow River views in Lanzhou from its mountaintop.

>> Related Reading: A Full Guide to Chinese Architecture: with Best Examples of Modern & Ancient Chinese Architecture

White Pagoda Hill Facts

History of White Pagoda Hill

Why is it Called White Pagoda? The pagoda gets its name from the white lime coating applied to its surface. According to legend, in late Song Dynasty (970-1279) and early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the White Pagoda Hill and its surroundings were occupied by Western Xia Regime (1038-1227).

Genghis Khan (1162-1227), the founder of the Mongol Empire which was the former of the Yuan Dynasty, once wrote to Sakyapa in Tibet for a peaceful meeting to accomplish the unification of China; later, the Sakyapa appointed an eminent Lama to pay a formal visit to Mongolia, who was unfortunately died of illness when he arrived in Lanzhou.

Highlights & Things to Do at the Baita Hill in Lanzhou

Views of Lanzhou from the White Pagoda Mountain’s Summit

As one of the best places to visit in Lanzhou, The main attraction of White Pagoda Mountain is undoubtedly the panoramic view of Lanzhou from the top. From the summit, you can see the entire city unfold before your eyes: the mighty Yellow River flows through the urban landscape and the modern skyline rises to the south. You can climb to the top in the evening. At 8 PM, you can see the stunning night view of the entire city of Lanzhou.

Explore the Discover Silk Road Cultural Sites

The core of the White Pagoda Hill is the seven-story White Pagoda, one of Lanzhou’s Buddhist landmarks. Beneath the pagoda, you will find two famous treasures: a bronze bell and an elephant-skin drum—both part of the original “Three Treasures” of Baita Mountain (the third, Chinese Safflower, has since died).

In addition, the hill’s temple complex combines Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist architectural elements, reflecting the multicultural influences along the Silk Road. For visitors interested in history, Baita Mountain in China is a must-visit destination.

>>Learn more about Buddhism in China

Nearby Yellow River Attractions in Lanzhou

After descending the White Hill Mountain, you will pass the famous Zhongshan Bridge, the first bridge built over the Yellow River. From there, you can stroll along the riverside promenade to the Waterwheel Garden. After descending White Pagoda Hill, you will cross the famous Zhongshan Bridge, the first bridge ever built over the Yellow River. From there, you can stroll along the riverside promenade to the Waterwheel Park, where shows how the traditional irrigation tool works.

Ride the Yellow River cable car

For visitors with mobility difficulties or those with children, inside the White Pagoda Park in Lanzhou, there has a cable car for you.

Here, taking the Yellow River cable car for CNY 30 to reach the top of White Pagoda Hill is a good option. On the cable car, you will overlook the rushing waters of the Yellow River and the urban area of Lanzhou.

How to Visit White Pagoda Hill

How to Get to White Pagoda Hill

You can take buses No. 20, 35, 53, 108, or 131 and get off at the Bai Ta Shan Gong Yuan (White Pagoda Hill Park) stop.

Essential Tips for Visiting White Pagoda Hill

Explore Gansu’s Cultural Treasures with Easy Tour China

Except White Pagoda Hill, Zhongshan Bridge and Waterwheel Park, there are many treasures waiting for you on your tour to Gansu. From the Buddhist masterpieces of Bingling Temple to the stunning desert landscapes in Dunhuang, Gansu Province is absolutely the ideal destination for history lovers and adventure travelers. Just let Easy Tour China help you craft the perfect cultural tour for you. Here are some recommended Silk Road itineraries.