The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, renowned as one of the "Three Wonders of the World" alongside the Pisa Tower in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is not only an outstanding representative of architectural skills but also a symbol of the cultural spirit of the Chinese nation.
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
This pagoda was first constructed in the second year of the Qingning era of the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD) and has stood tall and proud through the ravages of a thousand years of wind and rain. With a height of 67.31 meters, a base diameter of 30.27 meters, and a total weight of over 7,400 tons, it stands as the tallest and oldest wooden-structured pavilion-style building in the world. Despite its apparent five-story, six-eave exterior, the pagoda conceals nine layers, each carefully designed and constructed to exhibit unparalleled architectural aesthetics.
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Things to Do
Appreciate the magnificent scenery of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: Also known as the Sijie Pagoda of Fogong Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the tallest and oldest wooden-structured pavilion-style building in the world. It is renowned as one of the “Three Wonders of the World” alongside the Pisa Tower in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can admire its unique octagonal plan and five-story, six-eave exterior from a close distance, feeling the precipitation of its millennium history and its majestic grandeur.
Visit the murals and cultural relics inside the pagoda: The interior of the wooden pagoda houses a wealth of murals and Buddhist relics, each a witness to history and a cultural treasure. You can appreciate these artworks with care, gaining insights into the beliefs and aesthetics of ancient peoples.
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Experience the traditional activity of throwing a bridal bouquet: The scenic area frequently hosts folk activities such as throwing a bridal bouquet, allowing tourists to experience the charm of traditional Chinese marriage culture. This is a rare opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the charm of traditional culture in a festive atmosphere.
Participate in the ancient costumed garden party and folk art activities: The scenic area also organizes events like ancient costumed garden parties and folk art performances, such as gongs and saunas, taking you back in time to experience the daily lives and amusements of ancient people.
Tourist information
Ticket: ¥60/person. Only the ground floor is open, but the ticket also includes the surrounding temple complex.
Best time: Morning light illuminates the front facade. Afternoon shadows can make the tilt harder to photograph.
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Combine with Hanging Temple: Start early at the Hanging Temple (8:00) to beat the queues, then drive south to Yingxian (about 1 hour). You will be back in Datong by late afternoon.
Photography: Tripods are not necessary, but a wide-angle lens helps capture the full height of the courtyard. No drone allowed.
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, renowned as one of the "Three Wonders of the World" alongside the Pisa Tower in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, is not only an outstanding representative of architectural skills but also a symbol of the cultural spirit of the Chinese nation.
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
This pagoda was first constructed in the second year of the Qingning era of the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD) and has stood tall and proud through the ravages of a thousand years of wind and rain. With a height of 67.31 meters, a base diameter of 30.27 meters, and a total weight of over 7,400 tons, it stands as the tallest and oldest wooden-structured pavilion-style building in the world. Despite its apparent five-story, six-eave exterior, the pagoda conceals nine layers, each carefully designed and constructed to exhibit unparalleled architectural aesthetics.
Things to Do
Appreciate the magnificent scenery of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: Also known as the Sijie Pagoda of Fogong Temple, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is the tallest and oldest wooden-structured pavilion-style building in the world. It is renowned as one of the “Three Wonders of the World” alongside the Pisa Tower in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can admire its unique octagonal plan and five-story, six-eave exterior from a close distance, feeling the precipitation of its millennium history and its majestic grandeur.
Visit the murals and cultural relics inside the pagoda: The interior of the wooden pagoda houses a wealth of murals and Buddhist relics, each a witness to history and a cultural treasure. You can appreciate these artworks with care, gaining insights into the beliefs and aesthetics of ancient peoples.
Experience the traditional activity of throwing a bridal bouquet: The scenic area frequently hosts folk activities such as throwing a bridal bouquet, allowing tourists to experience the charm of traditional Chinese marriage culture. This is a rare opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the charm of traditional culture in a festive atmosphere.
Participate in the ancient costumed garden party and folk art activities: The scenic area also organizes events like ancient costumed garden parties and folk art performances, such as gongs and saunas, taking you back in time to experience the daily lives and amusements of ancient people.
Tourist information
Ticket: ¥60/person. Only the ground floor is open, but the ticket also includes the surrounding temple complex.
Best time: Morning light illuminates the front facade. Afternoon shadows can make the tilt harder to photograph.
Combine with Hanging Temple: Start early at the Hanging Temple (8:00) to beat the queues, then drive south to Yingxian (about 1 hour). You will be back in Datong by late afternoon.
Photography: Tripods are not necessary, but a wide-angle lens helps capture the full height of the courtyard. No drone allowed.
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