Chinese old photos by Sydney David Gamble in Hangchow 6

This photo was taken by Sidney D. Gamble in 1920s. The scene in the photo is Leifeng Pagoda erected near the West Lake in Hangchow. It was a five-story tall tower with eight sides, originally constructed in the year AD 975, and collapsed in 1924 but was rebuilt in 2002.

Sunset Glow over Leifeng Pagoda (雷峰夕照) is the classic West Lake sunset view, one of the top 10 beautiful scenes of West Lake.

There is a Chinese love folklore. A white snake fell love with a man named Xuxian. Going through a lot of difficulties, this white snake transformed into a pretty lady, and married Xuxian. However, She was suppressed under the Leifeng Pagoda by Fahai, an evil monk.

Luxun, one of the most prestige literary figures in China, also wrote an article titled by "comment on the collapse of Leifeng Pagoda" , after he heard that the pagoda collapsed.