Wanggu Pavilion, Lijiang (万古楼)
Wanggu Pavilion (also called Wangu Pavilion, literally “Myriad-Age Pavilion”) is the landmark viewing tower perched atop Lion Hill (Shizi Shan) in the heart of Lijiang Old Town, Yunnan Province, China.
Key Facts
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Location: Summit of Lion Hill, Lijiang Old Town, Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan
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Completed: 1997, around the time Lijiang Old Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Architecture: A five-story wooden pagoda-style tower, about 33 meters tall, supported by 16 main pillars, decorated with Naxi and Dongba cultural motifs and carvings
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Name meaning: “Wangu” (万古) means “ten thousand ages,” symbolizing the enduring legacy of Naxi culture and Dongba traditions
What to See
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Panoramic views – The pavilion is the best vantage point over Lijiang Old Town. You can look out over a sea of grey-tiled rooftops, and on clear days see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) in the distance
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The tower itself – Traditional multi-eaved wooden construction with colorful paintings and ethnic decorative details
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Lion Hill Park – The forested hill the pavilion sits on, offering pleasant walking paths
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Night views – Going up at dusk lets you watch the old town light up, which is especially photogenic
Practical Tips
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The pavilion sits inside Lion Hill Park; a combined ticket is usually required
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It’s about a 20-minute uphill walk from Sifang Street (the old town’s central square), via stone steps
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Best times to visit: early morning or late afternoon for good light and fewer crowds
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Allow 1–2 hours; it pairs well with nearby attractions like Mu’s Residence (Mufu), the Water Wheels, and Black Dragon Pool in the same day