Haogu Pagoda, also known as Hao Gu Tower, Hao Gu Pagoda, or Hao Gu Temple Pagoda, is the central structure of Haogu Chan Temple. The exact date of its initial construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the Five Dynasties period or the Northern Song Dynasty and was later reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty. The name "Haogu" originates from the temple's proximity to the city moat (濠), with the meandering moat resembling a strand (股). It is said that the famous poet Su Dongpo once visited this site, enjoying tea and conversing with the monk Wen Zhanglao. Haogu Pagoda and its temple were renowned during the Song and Yuan dynasties. Wu Zhen, one of the Four Masters of the Yuan Dynasty, included this pagoda in his "Eight Views of Jiahe." Additionally, Qing Dynasty poet Ling Datian wrote a poem titled "Haogu," celebrating the pagoda's serene and picturesque setting. In 1906, the construction of the Shanghai-Hangzhou Railway cut off the pagoda from South Lake, leading to the destruction of nearby streets. By the early 1970s, the pagoda had fallen into disrepair and eventually collapsed. In 2002, Haogu Pagoda was reconstructed at the original site of the Shaoyuan in South Lake, now standing at a height of 63.4 meters with four sides and seven stories, covering an area of 2,200 square meters. The new structure, built in the traditional Song Dynasty style, features pavilions with surrounding corridors. Wind chimes hang from the eaves, producing a melodious "ding-dong" sound when the breeze blows. Haogu Pagoda is currently the only climbable pagoda in the city. It has a 179-step wooden staircase spiraling upwards, allowing visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of South Lake. The tower courtyard, built on a two-meter-high platform, is complemented by a large stone screen wall at the front and tall ginkgo trees on both sides. Upon entering the courtyard, visitors find an octagonal bell tower on the east side, housing a large bronze bell inscribed with "Haogu Chan Temple" and the "Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra." The drum tower on the west side mirrors the bell tower and contains a large drum, with corridors connecting both towers. The main hall of the tower courtyard is the Daxiong Baodian, which, although modest in scale, houses a finely crafted statue of Guanyin. Additionally, the courtyard now includes the Wu Xiang Shrine, dedicated to commemorating Wu Zixu and celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. Unlike the traditional Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates Qu Yuan, the Jiaxing festival honors Wu Zixu, a prominent minister of the Wu State during the Spring and Autumn Period. It is said that Wu Zixu once trained soldiers in the Jiaxing area, leaving behind many captivating legends. Historically, the dragon boat races in Jiaxing were a traditional folk activity in honor of Wu Zixu.