Home / City Guide / Shanxi / Datong / Attractions /

Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County

Located in Yingxian County, and about 70 kilometers south of Datong, the Wooden Pagoda is the oldest and highest wooden structure in China. It is regarded as the 'First Pagoda in the World' and a gem in the architectural field. It has now also been placed under national emphases under the Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Built during the Liao Dynasty (about 1056), this wooden pagoda has about 900 years of history. It has a height of about 67 meters, and a 30 meter long diameter at its bottom. The Pagoda appears as a five-storey structure, but in fact it has a total of nine stories with four hidden inside. It was built with about 54 different kinds of brackets, and jointed only by the tenors and mortises without any nails or rivets at all! With a unique octagon structure in each tier, and a special designed lightning top, the pagoda can still stand firmly and remains intact. It continues to reveal its exquisite quality in a rustic, simple manner, despite the long exposure to the elements, violent earthquakes and intense thunderbolt. The wind bells hung under each eave add more interest to this wooden pagoda. When the wind blows, the little bells make sweet sounds, which also add spice to your tour.

What's more, the large Buddha statues hosted in the Wooden Pagoda show different countenances and postures, and display a very high level of craftsmanship. The statue of Sakyamuni of the 1st floor stands at the height of 11 meters is particularly impressive. If look itup inside the pagoda, you will feel its grandeur.

The exquisite and vivid mural around it depicts the guardians, disciples and donors in a lifelike and meticulous manner and in the typical Liao painting style.

The Wooden Pagoda is a perfect combination of science, art and religion. It is also the wonder of the wooden architecture field. It should be a necessary stop in your Shanxi tour.

A close view of Wooden Pagoda, Yingxian County, Datong

Admission Fee:	CNY 50
Opening Hours:	08:30 to 18:00 from March to October 20; 08:00 to 17:30 from October 21 to next February
Recommended Time for a Visit:	One and a half hours
Bus Route:	1. Take regular bus from Datong North Long Distance Passenger Transportation Station (near the railway station) to Yingxian West Bus Station and then change a taxi to the scenic area. The taxi fare should be around CNY 5. 2. Hire a taxi to visit Hanging Monastery, Mt. Hengshan and Wooden Pagoda in one day. The rent is around CNY 360 per day.

- Last updated on Apr. 11, 2022 -

Questions & Answers on Wooden Pagoda in Yingxian County

Asked by Marcin from POLAND | Nov. 25, 2016 13:30

Is it possible to go by bus to Shanyin (train station Daiyue) from Yingxian, or I need a taxi?

We have a train from Daiyue to Xi'an about 17:50.

Answers (1)

Answered by Joe from USA | Nov. 27, 2016 23:41

Hi, dear! You can take a bus to Shanyin from Yingxian Bus Station (about 40 to 50 minutes). Or, you can take a taxi. The fare may be around CNY 100 to 200. :)

Asked by Marry from INDONESIA | Aug. 16, 2016 03:15

Wooden Pagoda worth a visit on a way to Wutaishan?

I'm planning to visit Hanging Monasteries and Wutaishan from Datong and here is rough plan of it
Day 1: Starts at 08.00, go to Hanging Monasteries, transfer to Wutaishan
Day 2: One day tour in Wutaishan
(visit Dailuo Peak, Pusa Ding, Xiantong & Tayuan Temple)
transfer to Xinzhou in the afternoon around 17.00/18.00

Can anyone give advise, should I visit the pagoda on the way to Wutaishan, or is it better to skip it and go directly to Wutaishan and visit Nanshan temple upon arriving there?

Thank you!

Answers (1)

Answered by Susan from USA | Aug. 17, 2016 01:41

Dear Marry, the pagoda is well worth a visit. It is a rare treasure. You will be amazed by the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen. You are advised to visit it en route to Wutaishan. Have fun! :)

Asked by Hilton from HONG KONG | May. 13, 2015 02:26

can you hire a car to go to the Hanging Temple and Wooden Pagoda from Datong?

How much would it be?
Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Zoe from NEW ZEALAND | May. 14, 2015 02:04

Yes, you can easily hire a private car to get to these two places and finish the sightseeing in the same day. So don't worry.
As I know, the fare is CNY 400 to 500 for the round-trip. :-)

Asked by NASSER from PAKISTAN | Jul. 29, 2014 06:46

Are there organized tours from Datong to hanging monastery and wooden pagoda?

What is price? Is it cheaper than hiring taxi for both places?

Answers (1)

Answered by Nikita from USA | Jul. 30, 2014 03:10

Yes, many travel agencies arrange tours for the route. The more people in your group, the cheaper the tour would be. Sometimes, the fare is cheaper than hiring a taxi. I am not clear about the exact quotation, but you are recommended to consult Travel China Guide for a reasonable charge. Their email is tours

travelchinaguide.com

Asked by Arpad from CANADA | Aug. 24, 2013 16:29

Wooden PAgoda of Yingxian

How far is the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian from the Hanging Monastery?
Is it possible to hire a taxi in Datong, drive to the Wooden Pagoda, from there drive to the Hanging Monastery and finally back to Yungang Caves in one day? Considering that I arrive to Datong by train at 6:00 - the Wooden Pagoda opens at 7:00 - Hanging Monastery opens at 9:00 and Yungang Caves will close at 17:00. Is there enough time to see everything in one day?

Answers (1)

Answered by Amila from SINGAPORE | Aug. 24, 2013 21:42

There is about 50km between the two places.
Yes, it is possible to hire a taxi to cover the pagoda and the monastery in one day.
If you want to visit the Yungang Cave in the same day, time is enough but you will be in a rush and cannot enjoy the beauty of the cave clearly.
If time is possible, it is suggested to arrange the trip in two days.