Shang Bayan Well is situated in Shangcheng District, Hangzhou City. During the first year of the Qing Kangxi era, which was 1662, monks and nuns constructed the Emei Temple on the western slope of Wu Mountain. Adjacent to the temple’s eastern side, several springs emerged, leading to the creation of eight wells. These eventually became the renowned Shang Bayan Well in Hangzhou.
The well platform spans an area of approximately twenty square meters and features eight well mouths—four large and four small. The smaller wells are strategically positioned around the larger ones, creating a neat and orderly arrangement. The well rings are constructed from cement. The lower portion of each well mouth is a single, unified structure, with water drawn from the Wu Mountain range that remains abundant throughout the year.
Shang Bayan Well is paired with the Xia Bayan Well found in the Guan Yu Temple on Hefang Street. Both wells are part of the same water system and historically served as a vital water source for the local residents. The well is accessible at all times, operating 24/7 for the convenience of the public.
