
The Yanggong Dike Stele Pavilion is located to the east of Songhe Villa on Yanggong Dike, next to Jingxing Bridge. Yang Mengying dredged the lake and built a dike when he was the prefect of Hangzhou, drawing on and inheriting the fine tradition of Hangzhou local officials since Li Mi and Bai Juyi in the Tang Dynasty who paid attention to the protection of West Lake.
Yang Mengying took office as the prefect of Hangzhou. With the permission of the imperial court, he spent five years overcoming numerous difficulties. Finally, the scenery of West Lake reappeared. A long embankment connected Qixialing and Nanshan from north to south . The dredging of the lake and the construction of the embankment have received due recognition in history.
The people of Hangzhou later placed Yang Mengying's statue in the Four Sages Temple on Gushan (built by Yang Mengying himself and dedicated to Li Mi, Bai Juyi, Lin Bu, and Su Shi) for future generations to pay tribute and commemorate. The Temple was renamed the Five Sages Temple. A memorial pavilion and a statue of Yang Mengying now stand on Yanggong Causeway to commemorate him.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 15 minutes
free
All day
The Yanggong Dike Stele Pavilion preserves historical steles commemorating the construction and maintenance of the Yanggong Dike along the Qiantang River. These inscriptions highlight the region’s efforts in flood control, irrigation, and agricultural development, reflecting Hangzhou’s historical engineering and cultural heritage.
Located along the Yanggong Dike in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi, local bus, or by walking along the riverside paths from nearby areas.
The pavilion is generally open during daylight hours. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and good lighting for photography.
There is no entrance fee for the pavilion; it is free and open to the public.
No booking is necessary as the site is freely accessible.
Approximately 30–60 minutes is enough to explore the pavilion, read the steles, and take photos.
Guided tours are generally not offered. Visitors explore the pavilion independently. Some local tour guides may provide explanations in Chinese.
Start at the main entrance of the pavilion, walk around the steles to read inscriptions, then exit and stroll along the dike for riverside views.
The pavilion is not typically illuminated at night, and there are no regular light shows or special tours.
Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded. Weekends and holidays may attract more local visitors.
Basic facilities include public toilets, benches, and a few small snack vendors near the dike.
The pavilion and surrounding paths are mostly flat, making them accessible for children and the elderly. Disabled visitors may encounter minor uneven surfaces along the dike.
No cash is required for entry. Small vendors may accept cash or mobile payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
Several riverside cafes and local restaurants are nearby, serving Hangzhou cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants; halal options are limited and may require advance inquiry.
Hotels and guesthouses in Hangzhou city center or near the Qiantang River provide convenient access to the pavilion.
Limited souvenir options nearby include local crafts, postcards, and small cultural memorabilia.
Taxi, local bus, bike rentals, or metro are convenient for reaching other parts of Hangzhou or nearby attractions.