Live Your Best Lives
Visitors should explore the architectural beauty of the Liao Daming Pagoda, which is an important cultural and religious site. The pagoda offers great opportunities for photography and reflection on the historical significance of the Liao Dynasty. It is also recommended to climb the pagoda for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
The Liao Daming Pagoda is located in the Liaozhongjing ruins in Daming Town, Ningcheng County, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 120 kilometers away from Chifeng and more than 20 kilometers away from Tianyi Town, Ningcheng.
Liaozhongjing was one of the three capitals of Liao and the capital during the heyday of Khitan Liao.
Of the three remaining brick pagodas, the Daming Pagoda is the most famous, built in 1007.
The Liao Daming Pagoda is an octagonal 13-story solid brick pagoda with dense eaves. It is 82 meters high, with a base diameter of 34 meters and each side is 14 meters long. The reliefs of Bodhisattvas on the pagoda are lifelike.
The Daming Pagoda lasted nearly a thousand years and is the best-preserved and largest ancient brick pagoda in the country. It is a national cultural relic protection unit.
Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty and Fu Ji, a member of the National People's Congress, both wrote poems in praise of it.
Temperate continental climate, suitable for all seasons
One hour
5 yuan
All day
The Liao Daming Pagoda was built during the Liao Dynasty (907–1125) and is one of the most iconic structures of the period. It served as a religious monument and a symbol of the Liao Dynasty’s architectural and cultural achievements. The pagoda remains a significant landmark in Inner Mongolia.
The Liao Daming Pagoda is located in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia. You can reach it by taxi or private car from Chifeng’s city center. There are no metro or bus routes directly to the pagoda, so using a taxi is the most convenient option.
The pagoda is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn months, as the weather is pleasant. Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends or holidays.
The entrance fee for the Liao Daming Pagoda is around ¥30-¥50. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through some local travel platforms.
Advance booking is not necessary but is recommended during peak tourist seasons. Booking a day or two in advance should suffice for most visitors.
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on your interest in the pagoda’s architecture and the surrounding area. If you plan to climb the pagoda and take photos, you may spend more time there.
The pagoda itself is the highlight, with its detailed brickwork and intricate carvings. The surrounding garden and the panoramic views from the top of the pagoda are also noteworthy.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may provide explanations in English during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides are not typically available.
The best viewpoint for photos is from the top of the pagoda, where you can get a sweeping view of the city and surrounding landscapes. The pagoda itself is also a great subject for close-up photography, especially in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Start by exploring the base and surroundings of the pagoda, then proceed to the pagoda itself. If possible, climb to the top for a panoramic view of the area before returning to the ground level to explore the garden and other nearby sites.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Liao Daming Pagoda. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the architectural details and views.
The pagoda can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available near the pagoda. There are no large food outlets or shops at the pagoda, so it’s advisable to bring snacks and drinks if needed.
The site is somewhat accessible, but there are stairs to climb in the pagoda, which may pose a challenge for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy exploring the area, but supervision is recommended due to the height of the pagoda.
Cash is commonly used, but larger purchases or tickets may accept mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay. It is advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases.
There are no large restaurants or cafes inside the pagoda site, but nearby Chifeng City offers a variety of dining options, including traditional Mongolian and Chinese cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants in Chifeng. Halal food is available in select eateries, particularly those catering to the local Muslim community.
There are several hotels in Chifeng City, ranging from budget to mid-range accommodations. Some hotels are located a short distance from the pagoda, providing convenient stays for visitors.
Nearby attractions include the Liao Shangjing Ruins and Zhaojun Tomb. These can be easily combined for a cultural and historical day trip in the Chifeng area.
There are small souvenir shops in Chifeng City selling local handicrafts, such as Mongolian wool products, silver jewelry, and traditional textiles. Some shops near the pagoda also sell miniature models of the pagoda.
From Chifeng City, visitors can take taxis or local buses to continue their journey. Train and bus stations are available for longer-distance travel to other parts of Inner Mongolia.
