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Wenfeng Pagoda is located in the northwest corner of the ancient city of Anyang City, Henan Province. It is 38.65 meters high and has a circumference of 40 meters. It was originally named because the pagoda was built in Tianning Temple. It is also called Wenfeng Pagoda because it is located in the northeast of the old Zhangde Prefecture Confucian Temple and serves as a symbol of the local "literary style".
Wenfeng Pagoda, built in the second year of Guangshun in the Later Zhou Dynasty (586-574), boasts a history of over a thousand years and is a nationally protected key cultural relic. The pagoda boasts five floors and eight sides. Each level features a platform above and a vaulted door below. Small garden windows surround each floor.
The pagoda sits on a two-meter-high brick platform. Wenfeng Pagoda boasts a unique architectural style, characterized by being larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. Each level becomes larger and wider as it ascends, creating an umbrella-like structure. This combination of platforms, lotus pedestals, Liao-style tower bodies, and Tibetan-style finials is rare in the world.
Located in a temperate monsoon climate, Wenfeng Tower boasts a unique architectural style, characterized by being larger at the top and smaller at the bottom. As the floors rise, each floor becomes larger and wider, creating an umbrella-like structure rarely seen in China or abroad. It is a popular destination for travelers in all seasons.
Wenfeng Pagoda is octagonal in plan, with a brick and wood structure and a glazed tile roof. The eight walls of the pagoda are decorated with mullion windows, round arch doors and brick carvings of Buddhist stories. The carvings are meticulous, the images are lifelike and the shapes are moving.
At the bottom is the pagoda's base, atop a circular lotus pedestal. Seven interlaced petals stretch out from side to side, supporting the pagoda from above and protecting the base from below, further embellishing the pagoda's beauty. The pagoda's main body rests atop this pedestal. The first floor is breathtakingly decorated with exquisite brick carvings. The four front doors feature a solid south door, while the others are false brick doors. The arched lintels are adorned with a pattern of two dragons playing with a pearl. The dragons soar through the clouds, their fangs and claws bared as they pounce on the flaming pearl. The false brick doors are carved to resemble wooden doors, their frames covered in passionflowers.
To the south are the Three Bodies of Buddha: the Dharmakaya Vairocana Buddha sits in the center, the Sambhogakaya Vairocana Buddha to the right, and the Sambhogakaya Sakyamuni Buddha to the left. To the southwest is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha preaching, with Sakyamuni seated in the center, flanked by his disciples Ananda and Kasyapa. Two Dharma protectors stand before the niche. To the west is a scene depicting the birth of the prince, representing the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha. To the northwest is a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha practicing asceticism in the snowy mountains. To the north are statues of Avalokitesvara and Sudhana. To the northeast is a statue of the Buddha preaching to celestial beings. To the east are carvings of flying apsaras depicting the Nirvana Sutra of Sakyamuni Buddha. To the southeast are statues of the Persian king and queen attending the Buddha's lecture.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
25 yuan/person (Anyang Tianning Temple + pagoda entrance fee)
08:30-17:30
Wenfeng Tower in Anyang is a historic cultural landmark, traditionally used as a place to honor literary achievements and scholars. It symbolizes the city's rich educational and cultural heritage and dates back several centuries, representing classical Chinese architecture.
Wenfeng Tower is located in the central area of Anyang city. Visitors can reach it by local bus, taxi, or on foot if staying nearby.
The tower is generally open from early morning to evening, around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Late afternoon offers beautiful lighting for photography.
Entrance is usually free or has a nominal fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site if required; online booking may not be necessary.
Booking in advance is generally not required due to low crowd levels and easy access.
About 1–2 hours is sufficient to explore the tower and nearby areas.
Guided tours in Mandarin may be available; audio guides are typically not offered.
Start at the base, read historical information, ascend to the viewing platform, enjoy the views, then descend and explore the surrounding park and streets.
Night visits are limited; there are no regular light shows. Special tours may be available during cultural events.
It is generally not crowded. Weekdays and early mornings are the quietest times.
Basic facilities like restrooms and small refreshment stands are available nearby. No major shops inside the tower.
Access to the top may involve stairs, which can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children should be supervised.
Cash is recommended for any small purchases; cards and mobile payments may be accepted at nearby facilities.
Several local restaurants and cafes are located within walking distance in Anyang city center.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal options may be limited, so checking with restaurants in advance is advisable.
Hotels ranging from budget to mid-range are available within 1–3 km of the tower.
Nearby attractions include Yin Ruins Museum, Anyang Museum, and other historic sites in central Anyang.
Souvenirs include postcards, small crafts, and local specialty items available near the tower.
Walking, taxis, or local buses can be used to reach nearby attractions or return to the city center.
