Baochu Pagoda
Hangzhou
21 July 2009
The 45-metre Baochu Pagoda (保俶塔) stands on top of Baoshi Hill. It was originally constructed in 963 when it was slightly taller, but has been rebuilt a number of times, most recently in 1933.
The pagoda's name means literally "protect Chu", and refers to Qian Chu, the last king (947-978) of the Ten Kingdoms period in Chinese history. The king had gone away on a long trip, and the pagoda was constructed so that people could pray for his safe return.