Giant Buddha Pagoda

　　    The Giant Buddha Pagoda is located in Panhu Township, northeast of Helan County. It is an unusual, tightly layered hollow brick pagoda with thick walls. The main body and the finial are of similar height, with the total height reaching approximately 25 meters. The pagoda has three stories and an octagonal plan. The southern side of the first story features a 2.4-meter-high arched doorway, with carved dragon and phoenix designs on the upper ends of the lintel. Each level of the pagoda has double eaves above and below, with two sets of brackets (dougong) carved beneath the eaves. The structure shows characteristics of the ______ period. In recent years, architectural historians have analyzed its construction style and believe it may date back to the pre-Ming era.

　　    Due to long-term neglect, as well as damage from earthquakes, rising groundwater levels, wind, and rain erosion, the pagoda was in an extremely severe state of disrepair. In 1987, the Cultural Relics Management Office of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region organized experts in ancient architecture to conduct on-site investigations and developed a restoration plan. In early 1990, the restoration proposal was approved by the National Cultural Heritage Administration, which invested nearly one million yuan. From June of the same year to October 1991, the pagoda was repaired using a dismantling and rebuilding method.

　　    During the restoration of this collapsing pagoda, a large number of damaged artifacts from the Western Xia period were unearthed from the celestial palace atop the finial. These relics were recognized by China Cultural Relics News and experts in archaeology and cultural relics as one of the top ten archaeological discoveries nationwide in 1990. Additionally, renowned experts in cultural relic conservation and restoration were invited to carry out emergency repair, restoration, and organization of these fragile relics.

　　    The restored artifacts include silk-painted Buddhist paintings from the Western Xia period, painted clay Buddhist statues, arhat and guardian deity face and full-body sculptures (18 pieces); over 200 carved printing blocks with Western Xia inscriptions; as well as nearly 100 other items such as streamers, wood carvings, wooden slips, and glassware. Among them, the silk paintings “Radiant Light Buddha” and “Xuanwu Emperor,” along with the painted clay Buddha statues, are masterpieces crafted by court artisans and are also fine examples of Buddhist art in China. They provide a systematic collection of physical specimens for the study of Western Xia Buddhism, art history, and printing history, holding significant historical, artistic, and scientific research value.

　　    Address: South of Wangcheng Village, Panchang Township, Helan County, Yinchuan City, within the ruins of an abandoned temple

　　    Type: Historic Site / Ancient Pagoda

　　    Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

　　    Phone: 0954-2032971

　　    Opening Hours:

　　    8:00–17:00

　　    Ticket Information:

　　    Gate Price: 20.0 RMB