South-west of
Hangzhou city stands an enormous rail-and-road bridge that spans Qiantang River.
Close by is this 60m-high octagonal pagoda, which also served as a lighthouse.
Up until the Ming dynasty it was a prime place for viewing the Qiantang River
tidal bore, but the river channel curved east and the bore is best seen today
from the shores near the town of Yanguan.
Behind the
pagoda is a charming walk through terraces dotted with sculptures, bells,
shrines and inscriptions.