Pagoda of the Boundless Temple

Pagoda of the Boundless Temple

The Pagoda of the Boundless Temple is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Boundless Temple is located in the southwest corner of Taigu County and is commonly known as the White Pagoda Temple or South Temple. A white pagoda was built within the temple, hence the village was named after the pagoda. It was the site of Yangyi County during the Northern Zhou Dynasty. The temple was first established in the eighth year of the Taishi era of the Western Jin Dynasty (272 AD), and was renamed Puci Temple during the Zhiping era of the Northern Song Dynasty. It underwent renovations during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In the 32nd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1906 AD), it was rebuilt and renamed the Boundless Temple.

The temple faces south and has a rectangular layout, covering an area of 3,500 square meters. The temple complex consists of three courtyards along a north-south axis, with a complete and well-organized structure that is both rigorous and spacious. Along the central axis, the mountain gate and the theater stage are integrated, with the stage above and a brick-arched passageway-style mountain gate below. Visitors enter the temple through a long, narrow doorway.

At the center stands a Four-Ming Pavilion, which is open on all sides, with each side measuring three bays in both width and depth. It features elaborate carvings and far-reaching eaves. In front of the pavilion are a pair of green-glazed pottery lions, each 2.3 meters tall. On either side are wooden memorial archways. Behind the pavilion is a hexagonal fish pond. Just a few meters north of the pond lies the famous white pagoda.

The pagoda is octagonal in plan, a seven-story brick tower of the pavilion style, standing 43.6 meters tall. Each level has eaves and a balcony. Below the eaves and balconies are brick-carved bracket sets. The arched doorways on each level connect to the exterior eaves and are adorned with carved false windows and doors. The first level inside the pagoda is a small square chamber with a stairway leading up. From the second level upward, the inner core of the pagoda is hollow, with installed floors and wooden stairs for climbing. At the top is a magnificent and exquisitely crafted Shouzhuang stone stupa. From the top platform, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city and the surrounding landscape for over ten li, with every detail clearly visible. The existing pagoda was built during the fifth year of the Yuanyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1090 AD) when the Boundless Temple was renovated, serving as a physical example of the transitional form from the hollow towers of the Tang Dynasty to the solid towers of the Song Dynasty.

The pagoda is the symbol of Taigu County. Legend has it that in years when imperial examinations were held, white cranes would land on the top of the pagoda. The number of cranes that landed indicated how many locals would be listed on the imperial examination honor roll. As a result, the people of Taigu regard the pagoda as an auspicious symbol, a belief passed down through generations. To the north of the pagoda are, in sequence, a three-bay front hall and a five-bay main hall, which once housed Buddha statues but now stand empty. On the east and west sides of the temple are also inscribed stone corridors, side rooms, scripture depositories, auxiliary halls, and meditation courtyards. Today, the halls have been converted into exhibition rooms displaying the calligraphy art of Zhao Changxie, as well as ancient wooden artifacts, embroidery, and other handicrafts. The halls are surrounded by lush flowers, freshly painted, making it a major tourist destination in Taigu County.

Address: No. 10, Nansi Street, Taigu County, Jinzhong

Type: Historical Site – Ancient Pagoda

Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 hours

Opening Hours:

8:00-19:00

Ticket Information:

List Price: 35.0 RMB

Adult ticket: 35 RMB. Children under 1.2 meters, military personnel, and those with disability certificates are admitted free of charge; children between 1.2–1.5 meters, seniors aged 60–70 with a senior certificate, pay 10 RMB; students with a student ID pay 18 RMB.