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The Songyue Temple Pagoda is located in Songyue Temple at the foot of Junji Peak on the southern foot of Mount Song, 5 kilometers northwest of Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. It is the oldest existing brick pagoda in China and the only dodecagonal pagoda in China. It is part of the historical building complex of Tiandi Zhongji, a World Cultural Heritage, and one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units of the State Council.
Songyue Temple was first built in the second year of the Yongping reign of Emperor Xuanwu of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Originally a summer palace for the emperor, it was later converted into a Buddhist monastery. In the first year of the Zhengguang reign of Emperor Xiaoming, it was renamed "Xianju Temple" and extensively expanded, boasting over a thousand halls and housing over 700 monks. In the second year of the Renshou reign of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, it was renamed Songyue Temple. During the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong used Songyue Temple as a temporary residence during their visits to Mount Song.
At that time, the temple was a flourishing place, with interconnected towers and pavilions, and its splendor was unparalleled. According to Li Yong's "Inscription on the Songyue Temple Stele," "This vast Buddhist temple, consuming the vast wealth of the nation, houses a throng of monks numbering over seven hundred, and boasts over a thousand halls." The present-day Main Hall within the pagoda compound, along with the Jialan Hall and Baiyi Hall flanking it, were all built during the Qing Dynasty. However, this pagoda dates back to the Northern Wei Dynasty and is a treasure among my country's ancient architecture.
Nestled in a temperate monsoon climate, the Songyue Temple Pagoda has withstood over 1,400 years of wind and rain, yet it remains majestically erect. It is China's oldest surviving brick pagoda and a unique example among ancient pagodas nationwide. Built of brick, it features dense eaves and is the only dodecagonal pagoda in China. Its nearly circular plan, divided into two sections, represents an early form of dense eaves pagoda. The area is suitable for travel in all seasons.
The Songyue Temple Pagoda is an ancient building of great academic value in terms of its structure and form. A glimpse of the entire pagoda reveals its upright, robust, majestic, and beautiful form. It is not only a perfect work of art, but its form is also deeply influenced by ancient Indian Buddhist pagodas. Its structure is modeled after the "Baoqiyin Sutra Pagoda" (Aśoka Pagoda), with flame-shaped pointed arches, showcasing distinct Gandhara art styles. Early Buddhist pagodas in my country were significantly influenced by ancient Indian pagodas, and the Songyue Temple Pagoda is an early example of the integration of ancient Chinese and Indian Buddhist architecture.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
Package ticket 80 yuan/person (includes five attractions: Songyang Academy, Songshan, Huishan Temple, Fawang Temple, and Songyue Temple Pagoda)
08:00-17:00
The Songyue Temple Pagoda is one of the oldest brick pagodas in China, dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–534 AD). It stands as a symbol of the early Buddhist architecture in China and is an important cultural and religious site, offering insights into China's Buddhist history and architectural evolution.
The Songyue Temple Pagoda is located in the southern part of Zhengzhou, Henan Province. It is accessible by taxi or bus from Zhengzhou city center. You can also consider walking if you're staying nearby.
The site is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is recommended to visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience, avoiding peak tourist hours during holidays and weekends.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and online ticket options may be available through local ticket platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. A day or two in advance should be sufficient.
It typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the pagoda and its surroundings, depending on your interest in historical and architectural details.
Guided tours in Chinese are available. Audio guides in English may be available, but it is advisable to check in advance.
The best photography spots include the view from the top of the pagoda, the close-up shots of the brickwork, and the surrounding temple grounds.
Start by exploring the temple grounds, then climb the pagoda for panoramic views. Afterward, take time to admire the carvings and architectural details of the pagoda.
There are no special night visits or light shows, but the pagoda may be lit up at night, offering a beautiful sight from a distance.
The pagoda can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful visit, try weekdays, especially during non-holiday seasons.
Basic facilities such as toilets and small kiosks are available at the site. No major food outlets are present, but there are rest areas where visitors can relax.
The pagoda involves some climbing, so it may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. It’s advisable to check accessibility conditions in advance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used, reducing the need for cash.
There are no major restaurants inside the site, but nearby Zhengzhou city offers a variety of restaurants and local eateries serving traditional Chinese food.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants, while vegan and halal options may be more limited, depending on the area.
There are no dedicated souvenir shops at the pagoda, but nearby Zhengzhou markets offer traditional crafts such as tea sets, silk items, and cultural artifacts.
