Leifeng Pagoda

Went on a rainy Tuesday — thought it would be peaceful, but the inside was packed with tour groups. The audio guide was boring and hard to follow. Paid extra for the 'VR experience' but it was just a short, glitchy animation. Honestly, I'd skip this and just walk around the lake instead. Not worth the hype.

As a photographer, this place is a goldmine. Early morning light hitting the pagoda through the mist is unforgettable. The surrounding gardens are well maintained, and the reflection in the lake is perfect for wide shots. Only downside: the glass barriers on the viewing decks have a lot of glare, so bring a polarizer.

Brought my kids here and they loved the legend of the White Snake! The pagoda is beautifully restored — you can see the original brick foundations preserved under glass. The top floor has a great cafe with surprisingly decent coffee. A perfect spot to rest and watch the boats on the lake.

Nice pagoda with a lot of history, but honestly I expected more for the price. The modern elevator inside feels a bit out of place, and the souvenir shops on each floor kill the atmosphere. The view is good, but you can get the same vista from the lakeside for free. Okay for a one-time visit.

Absolutely stunning views from the top! The elevator made it easy to get up, but the real charm is walking through the old ruins at the base. Sunset here is magical — the whole West Lake turns golden. Definitely worth the entrance fee, though it gets crowded on weekends. Go early!