Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan

Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan

The Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan are protected cultural heritage sites of Taiyuan City.

The Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan, located at Yongzuo Temple in Haozhuang, near the eastern suburbs of Taiyuan, carry a strong scholarly and cultural ambiance and are symbolic landmarks of the city. In terms of height, these twin pagodas rank first among all such structures in China.

The pagodas were originally named Xuanwen Pagodas, in honor of the “meritorious deed” of Empress Dowager Xuanwen, who funded their construction. They were completed in the 40th year of the Wanli era (1612), making them nearly 400 years old.

Both pagodas have 13 stories and stand over 54.7 meters tall. They are hollow inside and allow visitors to climb spiral staircases to the top. The two towers stand facing each other, side by side.

The Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan have excellent insulating properties. Situated on a high, geologically dry plateau, the pagodas are rarely exposed to rain and are constructed entirely of brick and stone. As a result, they behave almost like insulators during thunderstorms, giving them a very high level of lightning resistance. In fact, they function much like the large suspension strings in today’s power transmission lines. It can be said that the Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan are a prime example of structures that avoid lightning damage primarily through their own insulating characteristics.

The northern pagoda of the Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan is slightly tilted, yet its tilt contributes to its stability. Originally, when the pagodas were being built, Master Focheng, a prominent monk from Mount Wutai who oversaw the construction, had already taken into account factors such as the pagodas’ lofty location, their great height, and the frequent northwest winds in the area. He intentionally tilted the northern pagoda slightly to the west, creating a specific angle to counteract wind forces, correct the structure’s alignment, and ensure the pagoda’s long-term stability. The ingenuity of its design and the thoroughness of its planning have been fully validated over the centuries that followed.

Towering into the sky, the Twin Pagodas of Taiyuan are renowned for their height, mystique, and association with scholarly achievement, making them a proud symbol of this ancient city.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Municipal-Level Protected Cultural Heritage Sites in Taiyuan City