Wooden Pagoda Temple

Introducing Wooden Pagoda Temple
Wooden Pagoda Temple, also known as Wanshou Temple, is located in the heart of Zhangye city. Wooden Pagoda Temple, founded during the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581 AD), is one of the city’s most renowned temples, famed for its wooden pagoda – one of only two remaining element pagodas (wood and earth) in the city.

Originally part of a larger complex, the temple has undergone centuries of change, leaving only the wooden pagoda and the sutra library as remnants. The wooden pagoda’s historical significance dates back to the Yuan (1271-1368) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties, a period when its fame spread across Eurasia. It even drew the attention of Marco Polo (1254-1324), who documented it in his travelogue after spending over a year in Zhangye. In 1420, a diplomat named Ghiyasuddin, representing the ruler Shah Rukh from the Timurid Empire (located in modern-day Afghanistan), traveled to Zhangye. He was deeply impressed by the city’s wooden pagoda, praising its beauty and intricate construction.

Wooden Pagoda Temple Fast Facts
• AKA: Wanshou Temple
• Chinese Name: Mù Tǎ Sì 木塔寺
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 - 2 x hours
• Things to Do: Buddhism, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (Apr – Oct), 9:30 – 17:00 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Central Square, South Street, Ganzhou District, Zhangye, Gansu Province

What to Expect at the Wooden Pagoda Temple
Wooden Pagoda Temple is located just a short walk from the renowned Dafo (Giant Buddha) Temple complex. After marveling at the grandeur of the Giant Buddha and the surrounding temple grounds, a leisurely stroll will bring you to the Wooden Pagoda, where you can appreciate its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.

The Wooden Pagoda
The present-day pagoda, rebuilt in 1926, is a nine-story, pavilion-style structure constructed of brick and wood. Reaching a height of 32.8 meters (107 ft), its brick tower body is topped with gracefully tiered wooden eaves and a base encircled by exquisite stone balustrades. Wind chimes adorn each corner of the pagoda eaves, creating beautiful sounds with every breeze. The windows and doors on each level vary in design: some levels have doors on all four sides, while others feature decorative windows instead. Inside, visitors can ascend the tower via iron staircase and enjoy panoramic views of Zhangye city and its surrounding landscape.

How to Get to Wooden Pagoda Temple
• By Bus: Take bus 1 to Dafo Temple Station.
• On foot: Enjoy a 1.4 kilometers (0.87 miles) walk from Zhangye city center to Wooden Pagoda Temple.