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Located in Yingxian County, and about 70
kilometers south of Datong, the Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and highest
wooden structure in China. It is regarded as the "First Pagoda in
the World" and a gem in the architectural field. It has now also
been placed under national emphases under the Cultural Relics Protection
Units.
Built during the Liao Dynasty (about 1056), this wooden pagoda has about
900 years of history. It has a height of about 67 meters, and a 30 meter
long diameter at its bottom. The Pagoda appears as a five-storey structure,
but in fact it has a total of nine stories with four hidden inside. The
Wooden Pagoda was built with about 54 different kinds of brackets, and
jointed only by the tenors and mortises without any nails or rivets at
all! With a unique octagon structure in each tier, and a special designed
lightning top, the pagoda can still stand firmly and remains intact. It
continues to reveal its exquisite quality in a rustic, simple manner,
despite the long exposure to the elements, violent earthquakes and intense
thunderbolt. The wind bells hung under each eave add more interest to
this wooden pagoda. When the wind blows, the little bells make sweet sounds,
which also add spice to your tour.
What's more, the large Buddha statues hosted in the Wooden Pagoda show
different countenances and postures, and display a very high level of
craftsmanship. The statue of Sakyamuni of the 1st floor stands at the
height of 11 meters is particularly impressive. If look it up inside the
pagoda, you will feel its grandeur. The exquisite and vivid mural around
it depicts the guardians, disciples and donors in a lifelike and meticulous
manner and in the typical Liao painting style.
The Wooden Pagoda is a perfect combination of science, art and religioun.
It is also the wonder of the wooden architecture field. It should be a
necessary stop in your Shanxi tour.
Admission Fee: RMB 41 (including RMB 1 for
insurrance)
Opening Times: 9:00 to 16:50
Recommended Time for a Visit: One and a half hours
Bus Route: Take the direct bus at railway station
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