Xili Pagoda reopens after 3 decades

A view of the Xili Pagoda from the distance. File photos unless otherwise stated

Already a popular weekend outing destination, Xili Lake Greenway in Nanshan District has recently added a new attraction along its 16.2-kilometer picturesque route circling the lake reservoir.

First built in 1984, the 32-meter-tall Xili Pagoda is a seven-storied octagonal structure in ancient Chinese style. Its upturned eaves are adorned with porcelain figurines of horses and humans seated on roosters, reminiscent of Tang-dynasty antiques.

Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view atop the pagoda.

A must-visit spot for school spring outings in the early 1990s, the pagoda is part of the growing-up memories of Shenzheners now in their 50s.

The pagoda also served as a monitoring post for Xili Reservoir, where staff regularly patrolled and kept watch over the dams and forest fire conditions.

It was closed to the public in the mid-1990s after its surroundings were designated a first-level water source preservation area.

An aerial view of Xili Pagoda. From SZ Days

To offer citizens a panoramic view of the reservoir and the cityscape, the pagoda was reopened to the public earlier this month following renovations.

Keeping its main features — such as the original structure, ornaments, and signature pagoda-shaped spire — the overhaul focused on structural retrofitting and interior décor upgrades.

The figurines on the eaves of the pagoda.

Ascending the pagoda offers a different experience with each step. The first two floors are shrouded in the shade of green trees, while the higher you climb, the better the view.

At the top, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the lake, framed by the lush greenery of Yangtai Mountain to the north and the skyline of Liuxiandong high-tech companies’ headquarters to the south. Binoculars are available on the top floor for those wishing to spot high-flying birds among the trees.

Binoculars are available atop the pagoda. From SZ Days

The surrounding area has also been upgraded, with new boardwalks, hiking trails, and lookouts added. For hikers and cyclists, the opening of this new section has saved them the trouble of making a detour up stairs to a road before reaching another entrance to the lakeside greenway.

The first section of the Xili Lake Greenway project, extending 3.7 kilometers and completed in 2023, won the gold prize in 2024 in the Parks and Open Space Landscape category at the prestigious MUSE Design Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the design world.”

The greenway is perfect for cycling.

The complete route, featuring mild slopes and lush scenery, was opened to cyclists in February last year. Along the route are nine scenic spots, with Xieyi Sanhe, where three creeks converge south of Makan Village, being the most beautiful.

Over two hectares of flower beds next to swamp cypress woods offer changing views across seasons. In September, sages and verbenas in full bloom transform the flower beds into clouds of purple floating above the ground. Then, in early winter, the yellow and red cypress leaves bring a fairytale vibe to the lakeside.

The flower beds at Xieyi Sanhe.

To better preserve the structure and its surroundings, only 30 visitors are allowed to ascend the pagoda at a time. To protect the reservoir, chemical pesticides and cleaners are forbidden in the area around the pagoda. Visitors are therefore reminded to take precautions and beware of mosquitoes and snakes.

A view along the Xili Lake Greenway.

Opening time:

6 a.m.-7 p.m. from April to October

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. from November to March

Metro: Line 7 to Xili Lake Station ( 西丽湖站 ), Exit B

Sources: Shenzhen Daily