Zhongmu Shousheng Temple Twin Pagodas

Zhongmu Shousheng Temple Twin Pagodas

The Zhongmu Shousheng Temple Twin Pagodas are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Located in Huangdian Town, Zhongmu County, the Shousheng Temple Twin Pagodas are Song Dynasty structures. The two pagodas stand about 10 meters apart—one towering proudly, the other appearing to be missing its upper half. One represents Taoist culture, the other Buddhist culture. Originally, there was an imperial-sanctioned temple surrounded by double fortress walls protecting the pagodas. Millennia-old local legends add an air of mystery to the pagodas.

Stone carvings in the temple

The twin pagodas differ in height and stand about 10 meters apart. The western pagoda is 30 meters tall with seven stories. Its body is an equilateral hexagon, with the first story measuring 4 meters per side, and the structure tapering as it rises. The entire pagoda is built from gray bricks, with arched gates, real windows, and blind windows on each level. Each story features Buddha reliefs. Inside, there is a central chamber and a spiral staircase leading to the top. The eastern pagoda is 18 meters high with four stories. It also has an equilateral hexagonal body, slightly longer sides than the western pagoda, and a door on the eastern face. It contains a spiral staircase and is adorned with decorative patterns and seated Buddha figures. However, the upper half of the eastern pagoda appears collapsed, earning it the nickname “half-pagoda.”

The Twin Pagodas

Historical records indicate that Shousheng Temple, also known as Twin Pagodas Temple, was first built during the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, boasting a history of 1,360 years. In its heyday, the temple covered over 540 acres, was grand and majestic, and attracted a thriving flow of worshippers. The twin pagodas were constructed during the Song Dynasty’s renovation of the temple, dating back more than 800 years. Shousheng Temple was an imperial-sanctioned construction, noted for its vast scale. The main hall enshrined statues of the Buddha, Guanyin, and the Goddess of Mercy of the South Sea, while the corridor rooms housed the Four Heavenly Kings, the deity Guan Yu, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Eighteen Yama Kings. Nearby the pagodas stood six pine trees, each requiring the embrace of two people to encircle.

- Travel Tips:

Admission: Free

Address: Huangdian Town, Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou

Huangdian Town: Huangdian Town is located in the southern part of Zhongmu County, about 20 kilometers from the county seat, approximately at 113°58'01" east longitude and 34°32'40" north latitude. It lies 40 kilometers northwest of Zhengzhou, the provincial capital, and 40 kilometers northeast of Kaifeng, an ancient capital. To the east is Diaojia, to the west Zhangzhuang, to the south Fengtang and Sanguan, and to the north Yaojia. Provincial Highway 223 runs through the town, and the Diaobai Road crosses the entire area. The western part of the town is just 8 kilometers from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, offering very convenient transportation.

Huangdian Town administers 32 administrative villages, 46 natural villages, and 126 villager groups, with a total population of 38,900... More detailed information about Huangdian Town ++

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units