Twin Pagodas of Shuangta Temple

Twin Pagodas of Shuangta Temple

The Twin Pagodas of Shuangta Temple are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Liao Dynasty

Location: In a mountain valley on the northwest side of Zhengzhangzi Village, Mutouchengzi Town, Chaoyang County, Liaoning Province

The twin pagodas are built along the river and against the mountain on a cliff. Backed by high mountains and facing the valley floor, they give an impression of rising out of nowhere. The two pagodas are 23 meters apart from east to west. The eastern pagoda is 11 meters tall, while the western one is 13 meters tall. They consist of five parts: a base, a Sumeru pedestal, a tower body, eaves, and a finial. The main body of the pagodas is octagonal, with arched gates on the southern sides. The lintels of the gates are decorated with entwined floral patterns, and small pagodas are built in the center of the other seven sides. There is no flat ground beneath the pagoda bases, making them appear as if they have grown right out of the cliff. Aside from the beauty of their design, the exquisite craftsmanship, just consider the fact that these exquisitely crafted twin pagodas were built in this location without any machinery in ancient times — it’s truly breathtaking. The skill, artistry, intelligence, and courage of the laboring people are evident.

Protected Area: Centered on the southern pagoda base, extending 50 meters east, 50 meters west, and 75 meters north.

Construction Control Zone: A Category II construction control zone extends 30 meters beyond the protected area, and a Category III construction control zone extends 20 meters beyond the Category II zone.

Zhengzhangzi Village: Zhengzhangzi Village... More information about Zhengzhangzi Village++

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relics Protection Units of Liaoning Province

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units