Twin Pagodas of Shuangta Temple

　　    Location: A mountain valley in the northwest 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 stands 11 meters tall, while the western one is 13 meters high. Each consists of five parts: the base, the Sumeru pedestal, the tower body, the eaves, and the finial. The main body of the pagodas is octagonal, with arched gateways on the southern side. The lintels are adorned with entwined floral patterns, and a small pagoda is built in the center of each of the other seven sides. There is not a single flat piece of land beneath the pagoda bases, making them appear as if they have grown right out of the cliff. Aside from the beauty of their design and the refinement of their craftsmanship, the mere fact that such exquisitely built twin pagodas could be constructed here in ancient times without any machinery is truly astounding. The skill, precision, intelligence, and courage of the laboring people are evident in these structures.