Tianfeng Pagoda

Tianfeng Pagoda

Tianfeng Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Ningbo City.

Tianfeng Pagoda is located on Dashani Street, southeast of the Guimiao Temple in Haishu District, Ningbo City. It was built during the "Tiance Wansui and Wanfeng Eras of Emperor Wu of the Tang Dynasty (695–696 AD)" along with Tianfeng Temple, which is also known as the "Tianfeng Pagoda Monastery." The monastery was first established in the third year of Qianguang of the Later Han Dynasty (950 AD), though some say it was built in the fifth year (952 AD). To the west of the existing Heavenly King Hall, there is also the Lu Ban Hall where craftsmen used to gather.

Tianfeng Pagoda was named after the era of its construction. During the Jianyan era of the Song Dynasty, it was destroyed in a war fire and was rebuilt in the 14th year of the Shaoxing era (1144 AD). In the first year of the Tai Ding era of the Yuan Dynasty (1324 AD), it fell into disrepair again but was restored in the first year of the Zhi Shun era. In the 10th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1412 AD), lightning struck and destroyed three of its levels, but it was repaired the same year. In the 36th year of the Jiajing era (1557 AD), a strong wind blew off the pagoda’s top, which was then restored in the 38th year (1559 AD). After repeated collapses and repairs, in December of the 3rd year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1798 AD), a fire caused by a lantern during renovation destroyed the eaves and balustrades, leaving only the brick body of the pagoda.

After more than two hundred years of weathering, the pagoda had become severely damaged and began to lean, posing a serious danger. To protect this thousand-year-old structure, it was dismantled and fully restored in 1984. Archaeological excavations were also carried out, and thanks to the hard work of archaeologists, many precious artifacts were unearthed from the underground palace, such as a silver-gilt pagoda, a silver-gilt main hall, silver incense burners, a silver incense censer, bronze Buddha statues, coins, and scriptures. These findings clarified the foundation structure of Tianfeng Pagoda and provided solid physical evidence for determining its construction date and architectural style. In December 1989, the restoration project of Tianfeng Pagoda was completed and passed inspection, and it was officially opened to the public, receiving both domestic and international scholars and tourists.

The newly restored Tianfeng Pagoda stands 51.5 meters tall, has a hexagonal shape, and features seven visible and seven hidden stories, totaling fourteen levels. With red railings, green tiles, flying eaves, and upturned corners adorned with hanging bronze wind chimes, the pagoda preserves the delicate, refined, simple, and solemn charm of a Song Dynasty pagoda.

In ancient Ningbo’s history, Tianfeng Pagoda was regarded as an iconic structure. Literati and poets composed numerous verses in its praise, leaving behind many well-known and widely loved poems.

Poem by Zhou Kai: Holding fragrance in my sleeves, I ascend the cloud ladder, The towering peak rivals the sun and moon. Beyond the sky, a vast sea seems small, Amid rain, a few green hills look low. The world’s wonders are boundless, City smoke drifts as if trying to bewilder. Looking back, I descend, still not tired of chanting, And pass by the bamboo courtyard to leave a verse.

Poem by Dong Xun of the Yuan Dynasty: Climbing the perilous tower step by step, The heavens seem within reach. A thousand spans encircle the morning city, Several peaks press down on the green hills. Birds perch steadily by the railing, Clouds rise beneath my feet. After ten years, I climb once again, And only now, at the vista, do I smile.

Address: No. 258, Dashani Street, Haishu District, Ningbo City

Type: Ancient Pagoda

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0574-87302635

Opening hours:

Interior visit time: 8:30–16:30

Ticket information:

Gate price: 5.0 RMB

Tower climbing: 5 RMB.