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Visit the Renshou Pagoda and climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area. Explore the serene environment and enjoy the historical significance of this ancient structure. The surrounding park is also perfect for a relaxing walk.
Renshou Pagoda, located west of the Main Hall, is the western tower of the two pagodas. During the Liang Zhenming reign (915-920 AD), a seven-story wooden pagoda was built, known as the Wuliangshou Pagoda. It was renamed Renshou in 1114 AD. It suffered a fire in 1155 AD and was rebuilt into a brick pagoda during the Chunxi reign (1174-1189 AD).
In the first year of the Shaoding reign (1228), the pagoda was rebuilt into a stone pagoda, and completed in the first year of the Jiaxi reign (1237), ten years before the East Pagoda. Its dimensions are similar to those of the East Pagoda, though slightly smaller, at 44.06 meters (6.63 meters on the ground floor, 6.79 meters on the second floor, 5.80 meters on the third floor, 5.65 meters on the fourth floor, 8.59 meters on the fifth floor, 8.29 meters on the pagoda top, and 2.31 meters in diameter on the base). The stone carvings are simpler than those of the East Pagoda. There are also 80 statues flank the doors and niches on each floor, each with a diverse range of forms, rugged lines, and simple clothing (mostly monks' robes). The stone carvings on the waist of the Sumeru pedestal are dedicated to flowers, plants, animals, and other animals.
The Renshou Pagoda at Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian, was built in 916 AD, the second year of the Zhenming reign of the Liang Dynasty (1116 AD). Originally a wooden pagoda, it was destroyed by fire twice, in the Yihai year of the Shaoxing reign (1155 AD) and the Chunxi reign (1174–1189 AD). Consequently, the pagoda was rebuilt using bricks, and soon stone.
Kaiyuan Temple, with its subtropical maritime monsoon climate, boasts a pair of stone pagodas on the east and west sides of the Ziyun Hall. The eastern pagoda is named Zhenguo Pagoda, while the western one is Renshou Pagoda. The two towers, approximately 200 meters apart, are constructed entirely of wood and are the tallest existing pair of stone pagodas in my country, making them a great place to visit in all seasons.
The pagoda is divided into several sections: the outer wall, outer corridor, inner corridor, and core pillar. Doors are located on the four frontal sides of the outer wall, while the remaining four slanted sides house Buddhist niches. Deities and warriors are carved on the sides of the doors, while Manjusri, Samantabhadra, and other bodhisattvas, deities, and Buddhist disciples are flanked by carvings. Round chair pillars are carved at the corners of each floor, a unique craftsmanship rarely seen in other ancient buildings. Outside each floor, a flat railing forms a surrounding corridor, allowing visitors to walk outside the tower and gaze out from the surrounding railings.
It is recommended to play for 3 hours.
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Open all day
The Renshou Pagoda, located in Zhangzhou, Fujian, was originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It stands as a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage and Buddhist architecture. The pagoda has been a landmark for centuries, offering both historical value and scenic beauty.
Renshou Pagoda is located in Zhangzhou, Fujian, China. You can reach the site by taxi from Zhangzhou city center, which takes around 15 minutes. There are also buses that travel to the pagoda, or you can take a leisurely walk if you're nearby.
The pagoda is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends.
The entrance fee for Renshou Pagoda is around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and there’s no need for advanced booking for regular visits.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not necessary, but if you are visiting during a holiday season or festival, it is advisable to buy tickets a day or two in advance.
You’ll need about 1-2 hours to fully explore the pagoda, including a visit to the top for views and a stroll around the surrounding park.
The must-see highlights include the intricate architecture of the pagoda, the panoramic views from the top, and the peaceful surroundings of the park. Don’t miss the Buddha statues and inscriptions inside the pagoda.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and there may be audio guides in Chinese. It’s best to check at the entrance for specific language options.
The best viewpoint is from the top of the pagoda, offering a full view of Zhangzhou and the surrounding area. The pagoda itself is a fantastic subject for photography, especially at sunset.
Start by exploring the base of the pagoda and its intricate architecture. Then, ascend the pagoda for the best views. Afterward, take a walk through the surrounding park for a more peaceful experience.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no regular light shows. Special tours or events may take place during festivals, so check local schedules for those opportunities.
The pagoda can get crowded during weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons.
There are basic facilities like toilets and rest areas near the pagoda. Small local shops sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. However, for more dining options, you may need to head to Zhangzhou city.
The pagoda involves some stair climbing, which may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the base area and surrounding park are accessible to all, making it suitable for families with children.
Cash is widely accepted, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are available at most shops. Credit cards may be accepted in some areas, but it's best to carry some cash just in case.
There are a few local restaurants and tea houses around the pagoda offering traditional Chinese dishes. For more variety, you can explore Zhangzhou city for better dining options.
Vegetarian food options are available at some nearby restaurants, but vegan and halal options may be limited. It's best to check with local restaurants for specific dietary preferences.
There are various hotels in Zhangzhou city, from budget to mid-range options. Staying in the city center offers easy access to other attractions and amenities.
Nearby attractions include the Zhangzhou Old City, the Southern Fujian Culture Park, and the coastal areas of Zhangzhou. These can be combined for a day trip.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance selling traditional Chinese crafts, including tea sets, ceramics, and local snacks.
The best way to continue your trip is by taxi or local bus back to Zhangzhou city, where you can catch trains, buses, or taxis for onward travel.
