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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

Introducing Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is recognized as the Shakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda was erected in 1056 during the reign of Emperor Daozong of the Khitan-led Liao Dynasty. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda rests atop a 4-meter (13-foot) tall stone platform, with a towering steeple reaching 10 meters (33 feet) high, culminating in an impressive total height of 67.31 meters (220.83 feet). Notably, it stands as the oldest surviving fully wooden pagoda in China. Its construction highlights an array of fifty-four distinct types of bracket arms, representing the most extensive collection found in any structure from the Liao Dynasty. Between each outer story lies a mezzanine layer accommodating the exterior bracket arms. While its exterior displays a facade of five stories with two sets of rooftop eaves for the first story, the interior unveils a total of nine stories. The focal point of the pagoda's first floor is a prominent statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, embellished with an intricately designed caisson above its head, lending the pagoda its name. Each story of the pagoda features meticulously carved caissons in the ceiling. Offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, including landmarks like Mount Heng and the Songgan River, the octagonal pagoda features eight-sided windows that accentuate its picturesque charm.

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Ying Xian Mu Ta 应县木塔
• Best Time to Visit: May-Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: two hours
• Things to Do: Buddhist culture, tradtional Chinese architecture
• Date Established: 1056 AD
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Tentative list
• Height: 67.31 meters(220 ft)
• Opening Hours: 8:30 - 17:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY 48.free for children under 1.2m (3.9ft)
• Address: Fogong Temple, Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province

What UNESCO Says of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

The Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County, which is also called the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is located in the northwest corner of the county, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province, People's Republic of China.

Completed in the 2nd Year of the reign of Qingning in Liao Dynasty (year of 1056), the 957-year-old pagoda was known as “the first pagoda” during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which means that “there are large numbers of Buddha pagodas in the world, but the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County is the first one”. It plays an important role in the history of ancient Chinese architecture. Also, it is the oldest and tallest wooden multi-storey building of the world. This pagoda embodies the wisdom of ancient craftsmen, and it still stands tall after many seismic tests during nine hundred years. It can be described as a miracle in the history of Chinese architecture. The pagoda is called architectural gems by experts in the architectural field both at home and abroad for its long history, unique design and wonderful construction techniques.

The pagoda is a stereoscopic temple which is built along the vertical space. The pagoda takes the shape of an octagon in the plane with five stories and six eaves and is proped by two circles of columns. The external peripheral column is surrounded by corridor columns, a layout known as Jinxiangdoudicao surrounded by a corridor in Yingzaofashi (Treatise on Architectural Methods). The whole wooden pagoda has nine stories in all, including four blindstories and five clear layers. The pagoda is a double-barrel wooden structure constructed with tenon-and-mortise work. It is composed of three parts: pagoda base, the mainbody and Tasha. The whole pagoda is as high as 67.31 meters from the ground to the top. In 1961, the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County was declared by the State Council as among the first batch of state priority protected sites.

Why Visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
The Wooden Pagoda of Ying County holds the prestigious title of being the oldest all-timber pagoda still standing in China. Soaring to a majestic height of 67 meters (221 feet), this remarkable structure traces its roots back to 1056 during the Liao dynasty, under the reign of Empress Xiao, with subsequent renovations carried out in 1195. In a momentous occasion in 2016, Guinness World Records officially recognized the awe-inspiring Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple in Yingxian County, Shanxi, China, affirming its status as the world's tallest wooden pagoda.

How to Get to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
• The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is located 77km (48 miles)  away from Datong city center.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Datong to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.

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  1. Tour Highlights
    • Hike Yanmen Pass Great Wall, formerly reckoned as the first of the "Nine Passes under Heaven" and one of the three passes of the Inner Great Wall of China
    • Admire Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest wooden multi-storey building of the world
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Datong
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Datong
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Datong
    • Drive to Yangmen Pass Great Wall of China (about 156km)
    • Visit Yangmen Pass Great Wall
    • Lunch on your own
    • Drive to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (about 80km)
    • Visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Datong (about 76km)

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

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