Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda)

Introducing Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda)
Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda) is a prominent landmark in Yinchuan city. Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda) originated in the Western Xia period (1038-1227 AD), but the current pagoda is a Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) reconstruction. This eleven-story brick structure, reaching a height of 64.5 meters (212 ft), holds the title of the tallest pagoda in Ningxia. Locally known as the West Pagoda, it serves as a contrasting counterpart to the city’s Haibao Pagoda, also referred to as the North Pagoda. Together, these two pagodas create a harmonious visual balance in the cityscape.

Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda) Fast Facts
• AKA: West Pagoda, The Pagoda of Chengtian Temple
• Chinese Name: ChéngTiān SìTǎ 承天寺塔
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY10, CNY20 (Ascending the Pagoda)
• Address: 76 Jinning South Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

The History of Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda)
The Pagoda is the only ancient pagoda in Ningxia whose construction date is documented in historical records. Its story begins in 1050 AD during the early years of Emperor Yizong of Western Xia’s reign. Commissioned by the Empress Dowager Mozang, the Emperor’s mother, the pagoda served a dual purpose: as a beacon of prayer for her son’s long rule and as a sacred reliquary for housing fragments of the Buddha’s skull.

What to Expect at Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda)
Step into the pagoda’s courtyard, where the air hums with the whispers of ancient trees and the delicate tinkling of wind bells. An ancient well and intricate brick carvings tell silent stories of bygone eras, each detail a testament to centuries of history. At the center of this serene space stands the majestic Chengtian Pagoda, a towering marvel of eleven stories adorned with five layers of gracefully protruding eaves. Crafted from rectangular bricks and crowned by an elegant octagonal spire, the pagoda beckons you closer. An arched corridor gently guides you into the heart of the structure, opening into a square chamber where wooden floor structures rise on each level. A spiral wooden staircase winds upward, inviting exploration and discovery. The breathtaking views from the pinnacle unfold with each step, revealing the beauty of the Yinchuan city below—truly the highlight of this enchanting experience.

How to Get to Chengtian Temple (West Pagoda)
• By Bus: Take bus 33 to Xitabei Station (West Pagoda North Station).