Fanta

Introducing Fanta

Located on the ancient Fan Terrace in the southeast of the ancient city of Kaifeng, Fan Tower was built in 974 AD during the seventh year of the Kaibao reign of the Northern Song Dynasty. Originally named Xingci Tower, it is also known as the Tianqing Temple Tower because it was built within the Tianqing Temple, a royal monastery of the Northern Song Dynasty. It is also commonly known as the Fan Tower because it was built on Fan Terrace. It is the first Buddhist pagoda built in Kaifeng and one of the oldest surviving structures in the area. It exemplifies the transition from quadrangular to octagonal pagodas. It is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site in China and is currently managed by the Kaifeng Yanqing Guanfan Tower Cultural Relics Management Office.

Zhu Wen, the first emperor of the Later Liang Dynasty in the Five Dynasties, once reviewed military campaigns on the platform, so Gaotai was once called the Lecture Hall. In the second year of Xiande of the Later Zhou Dynasty (955), a temple was built on the platform. The completion date happened to be the "Tianqing Festival", the birthday of Emperor Shizong of Zhou, Chai Rong. In order to commemorate Chai Rong's merits, the temple was named Tianqing Temple. In 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin launched the Chenqiao Rebellion and drove the last emperor of the Later Zhou, Emperor Gong of Zhou, out of the palace. He fled to Tianqing Temple and lived there for a while. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Tianqing Temple was very famous and was known as one of the four famous temples in Kyoto, along with Xiangguo Temple, Kaibao Temple, and Taipingxingguo Temple.

According to the "Northern Road Records of Errors" written by Wang Guan of the Northern Song Dynasty, during the Kaibao period (968-975) of the Song Dynasty, a brick pagoda was built within the Tianqing Temple. This pagoda, named Xingci Pagoda, also known as the Tianqing Temple Pagoda, was also constructed within the temple. Because it was located on Fantai Terrace, it was commonly known as the Fan Pagoda. Unlike the Iron Pagoda, the Iron Pagoda was built quickly, as it was funded by the Northern Song government. The Fan Pagoda, however, was built under the guidance of officials of the time and funded by funds raised from the public, so it took a long time to complete. Stone inscriptions embedded in the walls of the existing Fan Pagoda contain the names and dates of donations to the pagoda's construction. These inscriptions indicate that the pagoda's tall foundation was completed in 978, and donations continued to the project until 982, the seventh year of the Taiping Xingguo reign, and even as late as 990, the first year of the Chunhua reign. Based on inscriptions within the pagoda, it is speculated that the Fan Pagoda was planned during the middle of the Kaibao period and completed after the first year of the Chunhua period of the Song Dynasty (990 AD). Construction took over 20 years. Fan Pagoda, an equilateral hexagonal pagoda, originally stood nine stories tall, making it the tallest pagoda in Kaifeng at the time, significantly taller than the renowned Kaifeng Iron Pagoda. A saying still circulates in Kaifeng comparing the Iron Pagoda and Fan Pagoda: "The Iron Pagoda is taller, the Iron Pagoda is taller, but the Iron Pagoda only reaches the waist of the Fan Pagoda." At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, Tianqing Temple was destroyed by war, and the nine-story Fan Pagoda was partially damaged by lightning.

Climate and best time to travel

The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

During the Song Dynasty, Fanta was a hexagonal, nine-story pagoda over 80 meters tall, a truly magnificent sight. A poem evokes the line, "The tower soars high into the sky, offering a glimpse into the imperial capital, a thousand miles of spring." Thus, "Fanta Spring Scenery" became one of the eight famous scenic spots of Bianjing. Due to the vicissitudes of time, only three stories remained by the Ming Dynasty. Later generations scaled back the damaged six stories to create a smaller, six-story pagoda, creating a unique, striking, and intriguing structure.

Fan Pagoda was originally a massive, hexagonal, nine-story, 240-foot-tall pagoda, leading to the saying that "the iron pagoda only reached the waist of the pagoda." During the Yuan Dynasty, a lightning strike destroyed two floors of the pagoda, but the pagoda remained remarkably tall. The "Eliminating Imperial Qi" incident of the early Ming Dynasty affected the pagoda, resulting in the loss of four of its seven levels, leaving only three. In the early Qing Dynasty, a smaller six-story pagoda was built atop the remains, sealing the top, resulting in its unique bell-like appearance.

It is recommended to play for 2 hours.

Tickets

10 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:00-17:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Fanta

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Fanta in Kaifeng is a historic site that reflects the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. It is known for its connection to the Buddhist traditions and its role as a symbol of local architecture and history. The attraction has great significance in local culture and is often visited for its spiritual importance and architectural beauty.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Fanta is located in Kaifeng, Henan province. It can be easily reached by taxi, or local buses that pass through the area. If you're staying nearby, walking is also a pleasant option to enjoy the local atmosphere.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Fanta is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the site is less crowded and the weather is cooler.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Fanta is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or through online booking platforms, depending on availability.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended during peak seasons or public holidays to avoid long lines. You can book a few days ahead if visiting during busy periods.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Fanta typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. This includes time to explore the temple and its surroundings, as well as time for photography and relaxation in the gardens.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The main hall of the Fanta, where you can see the large Buddhist statues and intricate decorations.
• The peaceful gardens surrounding the site, perfect for walking and enjoying the natural beauty.
• The historical artifacts and relics on display that provide insight into the region's cultural and religious history.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may be available during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides in English may also be offered.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The main hall’s entrance offers a great view of the temple complex.
• The nearby gardens provide scenic spots for nature photography, especially with the temple in the background.
• The elevated platforms around the area offer panoramic views of the surroundings.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit by entering the main hall to explore the Buddhist statues. Then, take a walk around the gardens and visit smaller shrines, finishing with a stop at the viewing platforms for a broader view of the area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, Fanta does not offer night visits or light shows. However, special religious ceremonies may take place during certain festivals or holidays.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Fanta can get quite crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as restrooms and small shops selling religious and local items are available at the site. There are no major food stalls, so it’s recommended to bring your own snacks and water.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The main areas of Fanta are accessible to elderly and children, though some parts of the temple may have stairs or uneven surfaces. For disabled visitors, some areas may require assistance or extra caution.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is accepted, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely available, making it convenient for digital payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local eateries and tea houses around Fanta, serving traditional Chinese food and snacks. For a wider range of dining options, Kaifeng city center offers more choices.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food options are available in nearby restaurants, especially considering the Buddhist nature of the temple. Halal food may be found in Kaifeng city, though it's less common near the temple itself.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several mid-range hotels near Fanta, including the Kaifeng International Hotel and Jinjiang Inn, which are within a short taxi ride from the temple.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Iron Pagoda, a famous landmark of Kaifeng.
• The Dragon Pavilion, offering beautiful views of the surroundings.
• The Kaifeng Ancient City Wall, another historical site worth visiting.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near the temple selling religious items, local handicrafts, and small trinkets like incense, paper-cut art, and traditional textiles.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Fanta, taxis are the most convenient option to travel to nearby attractions or Kaifeng city center. Local buses are also available for public transport to other parts of the city.