Wanfo Pagoda’s reputation for grandeur and beauty spread rapidly across Southeast China, earning it the prestigious title of “Number One Pagoda in Zhejiang.” Its towering presence, with multiple levels and exquisite decoration, made it a focal point in the region. However, during the Anti-Japanese War, the pagoda’s height rendered it a potential lookout point for enemy forces.
To prevent Japanese troops from exploiting its vantage, the pagoda was sadly demolished. Yet, in 1957, the uncovering of its underground chamber revealed 183 precious cultural relics, including the illustrious “Water Moon Guanyin,” now a national first-class cultural treasure.
In 2020, the Wanfo Pagoda was reconstructed, meticulously designed to reflect its Song Dynasty origins while incorporating modern engineering. The new structure standing 99.99 meters tall, boasts hexagonal cornices with nine exterior layers and eight inner layers. Built with a steel-concrete frame, it features traditional Song architectural elements such as caissons, moon-shaped beams, and ornate wall carvings.
This harmonious blend of ancient design and contemporary techniques has positioned Wanfo Pagoda as a benchmark for cultural and architectural excellence in central Zhejiang.
Inside the pagoda, over 7,000 Buddha niches and more than 3,700 brick carvings recreate the spiritual and artistic grandeur of the original structure. The first level houses the majestic Shakyamuni Buddha statue, accompanied by depictions of his ten great disciples. The floor, inlaid with various types of jade, showcases masterful mosaic craftsmanship.
Beneath the pagoda, the underground chamber spans over 1,900 square meters, resembling a small museum. It features murals illustrating Buddha’s life stories and intricately carved wood sculptures by Master Lu Guangzheng, blending Buddhist themes with local Jinhua elements.
This space not only honors the past but also educates visitors on the China’s rich cultural heritage.
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