During a filming trip to Hebei, with a fleeting stopover in Shanxi, my friend and I spontaneously decided to visit a scenic spot that had piqued our interest: the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. We had scrolled through countless images and watched documentaries about this remarkable structure on Xiaohongshu, but nothing prepared us for the awe-inspiring sight that awaited us in person.
Constructed over 900 years ago by a team of skilled carpenters, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda stands as a testament to their ingenuity and craftsmanship. Using over 100,000 wooden components, they assembled a structure equivalent to a modern 20-story building. Despite the vicissitudes of time and the many changes that have occurred over the past millennium, the pagoda has miraculously survived, a rare and precious relic.
However, the pagoda’s survival is not without its challenges. The structure is gradually leaning to one side, and there is a risk that it may collapse at any moment. Sadly, due to its fragile state, it cannot be repaired, and any attempt to restore it might further endanger its existence. As such, allowing it to stand naturally, albeit precariously, seems to be the best course of action for now.
Location: Northwest corner of Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province
Ticket Price: 50 yuan
Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Yingxian County and then transfer to a bus or taxi. If you’re driving, simply navigate to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. We parked our car at the eastern plaza and entered the pagoda through the east gate.
Notes:
- Strong interference surrounds the pagoda, so flying drones may result in attitude mode changes.
- Only the first floor is currently open to visitors, and photography inside the pagoda is not allowed.
- The pagoda is not illuminated at night, so there is no night view.
- After visiting the pagoda, you can also visit the Hanging Temple, which is about an hour’s drive away.
Tags: #YingxianWoodenPagoda #Travel #ShanxiTravel #WeekendGetaway #DatongTravel #NicheTravelDestinations #Photography #SpringTravelDiary #SpringWalkingGuide #ScenicViewsOnTheJourney #KickstartingTheNewYearWithATrip #SharingHumanisticSites #DomesticTravelRoutines #NicheAttractions #AncientBuildingsInShanxi
