
Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda, meaning "Demon Subduing Pagoda" in Tibetan, is located in Seke Town, Seda County, 1.5 kilometers from the county seat. It is the tallest Tibetan Buddhist pagoda in Sichuan Province. The main structure stands 52 meters tall, featuring a staggered, layered design with a circular interior and a square exterior, then a circular exterior and a square interior. It possesses distinct local characteristics, a rich religious atmosphere, and a unique artistic style.
The pagoda's surface is decorated with various dazzling Buddhist niches. Inside, there are five Dharani scriptures written a thousand times, complete Buddhist texts, and several ancient relics. Among them is a rare Tibetan translation of Buddhist scriptures by Thonmi Sambhota, one of the Seven Good Ministers of Tibetan history, during the reign of Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd Tibetan King during the Tubo Dynasty.
The pagoda also contains tens of thousands of weapons used in battle, such as swords, axes, halberds, Buddhist treasures such as gold, silver, copper coins, jewelry, jade, as well as daily necessities such as silk, agricultural and sideline products, Tibetan medicine, men's and women's clothing, and monks' robes, symbolizing that people will live long, well-fed, and prosperous lives under the protection of the pagoda.
May to October is the best time for Seda scenery
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
7:00-17:00
The Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda is a Tibetan Buddhist structure with a rich history tied to local religious practices. It holds cultural significance as a spiritual site for Tibetans in the region. The pagoda is revered for both its architectural beauty and the spiritual activities associated with it.
The Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda is located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The most convenient way to get there is by car or taxi from the nearest town. The pagoda is situated on an elevated site, and visitors can walk from the nearest road or parking area to reach the base of the pagoda.
The Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda is open year-round, with the best time to visit being during the spring or autumn months when the weather is cooler and the views are clearer. The pagoda can be visited any time during daylight hours, but sunrise and sunset offer the most picturesque views.
The entrance fee for visiting the Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda is around 20-50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Online ticketing options may be available for group tours, but it is best to buy tickets at the location for individual visits.
It is generally not necessary to book tickets in advance for individual visits. However, for groups or during peak seasons, booking ahead might be helpful to avoid long wait times. Booking 1-2 days in advance is sufficient if necessary.
Visiting the Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda typically takes around 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend exploring the area, taking photographs, and engaging with the local culture. If you plan to visit nearby monasteries or villages, it may take longer.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some local guides may be able to provide information in basic English, though it’s advisable to book in advance if you need an English-speaking guide.
Night visits are not typical, and there are no light shows at Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda. However, during certain festivals or religious occasions, there may be special ceremonies or performances, particularly in the surrounding areas.
The pagoda can become crowded during peak tourist seasons or religious festivals. The least crowded times to visit are in the early morning or on weekdays, outside of the summer months and major holidays.
The pagoda is situated on a hill with a steep ascent, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and those in good health should find the visit manageable, though the climb to the pagoda can be challenging for some.
Cash is accepted for ticket purchases and small local purchases. Mobile payment options like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area, but credit cards are not widely accepted.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, especially in the form of vegetable dishes and rice. Halal food options are not common in this area, but vegetarian meals are widely available.
Yes, small souvenir shops are available near the pagoda. Common souvenirs include Tibetan prayer beads, traditional Tibetan clothing, hand-carved wooden items, and local crafts such as textiles and jewelry.