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The Quanzhou East and West Pagodas, a combination of the Zhenguo Pagoda and the Renshou Pagoda, are the tallest existing pair of stone pagodas in China. Located within the Quanzhou Kaiyuan Temple on West Street in downtown Quanzhou, the Zhenguo Pagoda was built in the sixth year of the Tang Dynasty's Xiantong reign (865 AD), while the Renshou Pagoda began construction in the second year of the Liang Dynasty's Zhenming reign (916 AD). The East and West Pagodas have withstood the ravages of wind and rain, and even earthquakes, yet remain remarkably strong. They demonstrate the high level of achievement in Quanzhou's stone architecture and stone carving during the Song Dynasty, and are a treasure of ancient Chinese stone architecture, becoming a unique symbol and emblem of the ancient city of Quanzhou.
The pagoda bases are shaped like a Sumeru mountain. Each floor features four doors and four niches, with the positions of the doors and niches alternating from floor to floor. Outside, there are flat railings, allowing visitors to admire the pagoda from both near and far. Atop the pagoda is a stupa, its tip supporting a high-pitched diamond gourd, gleaming in the sunlight. Eight iron chains run diagonally from the stupa's top to the eight corner ridges, each of which has a small bronze bell suspended from it, for a total of forty bells.
The pagoda's core is a solid octagonal structure, with stairways on each level for visitors to ascend and descend. Eighty relief sculptures of warriors, heavenly kings, vajra, and arhats, each with a unique and lifelike expression, flank the door niches on each level. Thirty-nine bluestone reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha are carved into the waistband of the pagoda's Sumeru pedestal. These stories, many drawn from Buddhist scriptures and ancient Indian folk myths and legends, are depicted through the use of painting and carving techniques, making them appear more vivid, exquisite, and precious.
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The East and West Towers in Quanzhou are two of the most iconic landmarks in the city, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. These towers were built to protect the city and have since become symbols of Quanzhou’s rich history and cultural significance. The East Tower was built in 961 AD, and the West Tower dates back to 1250 AD. The towers were used for both defense and as a means to signal travelers about the city’s layout.
The East and West Towers are located in the heart of Quanzhou, Fujian Province. You can get there easily by taxi, bus, or walking if you're already in the city center. Bus routes frequently pass near the towers, and walking from the city center takes around 15 minutes. Taxis are also widely available and offer a quick route to the towers.
The towers are generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the towers are less crowded. Visiting during the spring or autumn months offers the most comfortable weather.
The entrance fee for the East and West Towers is around 20-30 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, or through local tourism websites if you prefer to buy them in advance. It’s generally easier to buy tickets on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for most visitors, especially during weekdays or non-peak seasons. However, during holidays or peak tourist periods, it's a good idea to book at least a day in advance to avoid long lines.
It typically takes 1-2 hours to fully explore both the East and West Towers, including time to walk around the grounds and visit any exhibits. If you're planning to enjoy the views and take photos, you might want to allow a bit more time.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may also offer English services for foreign visitors. Audio guides in multiple languages are also available for a small fee at the ticket office.
Start by exploring the East Tower, then make your way to the West Tower for stunning views. Take time to visit any exhibits or informational panels along the way. Afterward, stroll around the nearby streets and temples, and enjoy the local food in the area.
Currently, there are no special night visits or light shows for the East and West Towers. However, the towers are beautifully lit up at night, and you can still enjoy the view from the outside after dark.
The towers can get crowded, especially on weekends and during public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak season in spring or autumn.
Basic facilities like toilets, water fountains, and rest areas are available near the towers. There are also local shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and refreshments. For more extensive facilities, visit nearby areas such as the Quanzhou city center.
The towers are accessible for most visitors, though climbing to the top of the towers may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to narrow stairs. However, the surrounding area is easily accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted at most locations, including at the towers. Cash is also accepted, though it’s recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are several local restaurants and cafes near the towers that serve traditional Fujian cuisine, including seafood, noodles, and local snacks. Anping Old Street, located nearby, offers many food options for visitors.
Vegetarian options are available at many of the local restaurants, particularly in the form of tofu, vegetables, and noodle dishes. Halal food options are available at certain restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several budget and mid-range hotels near the East and West Towers, as well as more luxurious options available in the city center of Quanzhou. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Souvenir shops near the towers sell traditional Chinese handicrafts such as porcelain, tea sets, and embroidered textiles. Local snacks like dried fruit and seafood are also popular as souvenirs.
After visiting the towers, taxis, buses, or local rideshare services like Didi are easily available to continue your trip. Quanzhou Railway Station is nearby for those looking to travel by train to other cities in Fujian.
