Hangzhou Chenghuang Pavilion will be fully closed for upgrade and renovation and is expected to reopen before the Spring Festival in 2025

On October 12, the Hangzhou West Lake Scenic Area Construction and Management Center announced that the “Wushan Scenic Area Infrastructure Enhancement Project” will begin on October 21. The project is expected to last 210 days and aims to reopen just before the Spring Festival in 2025.

This construction primarily focuses on the City God Pavilion, involving maintenance and renovation of the pavilion itself, upgrades to the scenic area’s infrastructure and hardscapes, repairs to the buildings, geological disaster mitigation, and enhancements to the landscaping.

The City God Pavilion, located on the southeastern side of West Lake and towering above Wushan Mountain, is one of the iconic structures in the area. Completed in 2000 atop the original City God Temple site, the seven-story structure is a popular vantage point for overlooking West Lake, the Qiantang River, and the surrounding urban landscape.

Since its completion, the City God Pavilion and its associated buildings have not undergone comprehensive repairs. Over time, issues such as peeling paint on walls and columns, localized roof leaks, and damage to decorative wooden elements have emerged, detracting from the architectural integrity and visitor experience. Additionally, the Wushan Scenic Area faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, damaged buildings, and geological hazards.

In an effort to enhance the overall landscape and improve visitor experience, the West Lake Scenic Area Management Committee has planned and approved the “Wushan Scenic Area Infrastructure Enhancement Project.”

The renovation will follow a principle of “minimal intervention,” using original materials, techniques, and designs to maintain the pavilion’s historic appearance. This includes exterior refurbishments, roof repairs, and targeted replacements of decorative wooden elements to ensure the City God Pavilion retains its original character after the work is completed.

During the construction period, the fee-based areas of Wushan Scenic Area—including the City God Pavilion itself, the City God Temple (Zhouxin Shrine), the Tranquility Pool, the ceremonial gate, the performance stage, the Scholar’s Gallery, Jiuyue Chengping Pavilion, Longshen Temple, management buildings, and ticket booths—will be closed to the public.