Haibao Temple (North Pagoda)

Introducing Haibao Temple (North Pagoda)
Haibao Temple (North Pagoda) is a Buddhist pagoda situated in Haibao Temple of Yinchuan. Haibao Temple (North Pagoda) is a major tourist attraction and one of the city’s highlights. Known as “the North Pagoda,” this structure is considered the architectural twin of the Chengtian Pagoda, or “the West Pagoda”. Originally built in the early 5th century during the Northern and Southern dynasties (420–581 AD), the Pagoda, along with the Haibao Temple, faced devastating damage from two major earthquakes during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). The pagoda that stands today is a Qing-Dynasty reconstruction, meticulously designed to echo the former glory and grandeur of the original.

Haibao Temple (North Pagoda) Fast Facts
• AKA: The North Pagoda
• Chinese Name: HǎiBǎo Tǎ 海宝塔
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Buddhism Culture
• Opening Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: West of Minzu North Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

What to Expect at Haibao Temple (North Pagoda)
Haibao Temple, an ancient sanctuary with over 1500 years of history, exudes a timeless elegance. Its red walls and golden roof tiles speak of a rich past, while the westward-facing entrance welcomes visitors with an air of ancient simplicity. Inside, the temple echoes the familiar layout of other Chinese Buddhist temples, with the Hall of the Mahavira, the Hall of Maitreya, and the Hall of Avalokiteśvara, each radiating a sense of tranquility. The gentle breeze carries the ethereal sound of temple bells, their chime a delicate counterpoint to the rustling leaves. The overall effect is one of serene detachment. 

Standing tall within the temple complex is the renowned Haibao Pagoda. This nine-story, eleven-tiered square brick tower reaches a height of 53.9 meters (176.8 ft). The 5.7-meter (18.7 ft) high base features arched doorways on each of its four sides, each flanked by recessed eaves. Above, the main body of the pagoda rises gracefully, culminating in a brick-built, inverted-bowl-shaped structure with four projecting eaves. At the very pinnacle of the pagoda sits a spire, a peach-shaped construction clad in green glazed tiles. While the tower’s staircases once provided access to stunning panoramas of the Helan Mountains and the Yellow River, they are currently closed to the public.

How to Get to Haibao Temple (North Pagoda)
• By Bus: Take bus 4 to Haibao Gongyuan Station (Haibao Park Station).