Plan at a glance
An old pagoda in the river
Zuojiang Leaning Pagoda, also called Guilong Pagoda, stands on Aotou Island in the Zuojiang River, Jiangzhou District, Chongzuo. This five-story, octagonal brick pagoda dates from the Ming and Qing periods. The visit centers on its lean and its position in the river.
Opening information
Scenic-area service center: 0771-7980488. Before setting out, you can call to ask about the entrance open that day, riverside viewing platforms, tickets, boat trips and whether visitors may land on the island or enter the pagoda. Flooding and maintenance can affect riverside facilities.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Look at the tower
From an open viewpoint you can see the leaning pagoda in relation to the water. Local heritage staff explain that its deliberate lean and double-shell structure are connected with protection against natural hazards.
The inner shell contains the rooms on each level; brick steps spiral upward within the outer shell. The tower leans toward the incoming current, a feature to look for in relation to the river when viewing from the bank.
Learn its history
The pagoda was first built with three stories in the Ming period. Two more were added during the Qing dynasty, giving it the five-story form seen today. Zuojiang Guilong Pagoda became a nationally protected heritage site in 2019. Respect the protected areas around the tower and island.
The river bends near Aotou Island. A local legend says the tower was built to calm the water and wish passing boats a safe journey, offering one way to understand Guilong Pagoda's place in local culture.
View it from the riverbank
When access is permitted, you can look toward the island pagoda from a riverside viewpoint open to the public. Low riverbanks and stone steps may be unsafe when water rises in the rainy season. Do not cross barriers or enter closed areas.
For wildlife viewing in Jiangzhou District, see White-Headed Langur Ecological Tourism Area.
For an evening walk elsewhere in Jiangzhou District, see Taiping Ancient City.
Build your day
A short visit
Call before departure to check whether the scenic area is open, where the visitor entrance is and which areas can be visited. Once access is confirmed, navigate to the scenic area. View the pagoda from an open bank or platform, then return through the scenic-area entrance. Allow around 1–1.5 hours as a reference.
Pair it with the ancient city
The pagoda can fit into a Chongzuo city itinerary, followed by an evening walk in Taiping Ancient City. The two places have separate entrances and transport needs, so arrange a vehicle between them. Island or tower access cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Get there
From central Chongzuo
Take a taxi or drive to “左江斜塔景区”, north of County Road 574 in Jiangzhou District. Call before leaving to check whether the entrance is receiving visitors. Confirm your return pickup point and use permitted parking areas if driving.
Finding a riverbank viewpoint
If you only want a distant view from the bank, ask locally for a riverside viewpoint open to the public. Do not cross an unfamiliar water channel or private property. Riverside areas may close when water rises; stay out of restricted zones.
Know before you go
Boats and water levels
Facilities may be inspected or repaired after flooding. Ask the scenic area whether boats are running. Wear a life jacket on board and do not use an unregulated private boat to reach the island.
Heritage and weather
Do not climb, touch or remove parts of the heritage structure, and do not enter the island when it is closed. Summer brings sun and mosquitoes along the river, so bring water and repellent. Watch for slippery surfaces after rain.