The Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area in Ying County, Shanxi, The Miracle of Chinese Timber Structure Buildings

1 Yingyuan Street, Ying County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province

The Miracle of Chinese Timber Structure Buildings

3.5

Introduction

As the tallest and oldest wooden pagoda in the world, this pagoda was built in the second year of the Qingning period of the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD). It has stood for more than 940 years, despite enduring strong winds, storms, powerful earthquakes, and artillery bombardment (with numerous bullet marks on the tower, including embedded bullets). It is constructed entirely by interlocking brackets and pillars without the use of nails or rivets, using over 50 different types of brackets. The lower eaves of the tower's corridor are supported by 24 wooden columns, each bearing a load of 120 tons when the tower is at rest, yet there are no mortises in the stone foundation below the columns. It is said that an inquisitive person once used a rope to pass it horizontally between the stone foundation and the wooden columns with both hands. Therefore, there is a folk legend of the 24 wooden columns taking turns intermittently. The entire pagoda is equipped with wooden stairs, allowing visitors to climb to different levels where they can enjoy different views. What is most special is the large Buddhist statue enshrined inside the tower, which is crafted with exquisite skill. The statue of Shakyamuni Buddha on the first level is 11 meters high, and when gazing up at it from within the tower, it appears even more majestic. Surrounding it are murals of Vajras, heavenly kings, disciples, and benefactors, all painted in a delicate and vivid style unique to the Liao Dynasty. On the second level, with light coming from all directions, it suddenly opens up and features a main Buddha, two bodhisattvas, and two attendants arranged in lively poses. The third, fourth, and fifth levels also have statues of bodhisattvas alongside the Buddha, each level with different sculptures and unique architectural structures.

Address

1 Yingyuan Street, Ying County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province

Opening hours

08:00-17:30 (all day)
Last admission time: 17:00 (January 1st-December 31st, Monday-Sunday)

Transportation

There are frequent buses from Datong XinNan Bus Station to Yingxian.

Phone 0349-5035244