Golden Ceiling of the Leifeng Pagoda 雷峰塔
It was a nice surprise to see the excavations of the remains of the old Leifeng Pagoda being on exhibit. It wasn’t really much to look at though, since it seems to be just a pile of bricks not unlike the My Son ruins in Vietnam, at least these ones in Vietnam didn’t have coins thrown at them. Anyway, the ground floor of the Leifeng Pagoda was another surprise to me. I was greeted by a thoroughly modern lift lobby. The lifts were built with glass panels, though I don’t think it was scenic since it was built at the center of the pagoda.
Modern Lift Lobby at the Ground Floor of the Leifeng Pagoda 雷峰塔
Also at the lift lobby, were glass floor panels that allow visitors to peer into the excavation below. Strangely enough, it was cordoned off so you can only see from the side. Maybe it was to prevent peeking under ladies skirts? Seeing this thoroughly modern influences really disappointed me. Not only was the Leifeng Pagoda itself rebuilt very recently, but the addition of the lift really turned me off. Although I would understand that it was built for the convenience of the visitors, particularly the elderly. Anyway, since I was already inside the pagoda and I have already paid the entrance fee, I might as well try to make the most of this visit.
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