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The Chengtian Temple Pagoda, located within the Chengtian Temple in Xingqing District (Old City District) of Yinchuan, is known locally as the "West Pagoda." Construction began in the first year of the Chuisheng reign of the Western Xia Dynasty (1050 AD). Following the death of Li Yuanhao, the founding emperor of the Western Xia Dynasty, his young son ascended the throne. To ensure her son's longevity and the enduring stability of the Western Xia dynasty, the Empress Dowager built the temple and its pagoda. The Chengtian Temple Pagoda is the only ancient pagoda in Ningxia with a documented date for its construction. The original pagoda was destroyed in an earthquake, and the structure we see today is a reconstruction from the Qing Dynasty.
The gate of Chengtian Temple faces east, unlike most temples in the Central Plains, which face north and south. This may be related to the Xixia people's worship of the East or the sun. Upon entering the main gate, the main buildings, including the Five Buddha Hall, the Pagoda, the Skanda Hall, and the Reclining Buddha Hall, are located on the east-west axis. Small gates and walls connect these buildings, forming a courtyard within a courtyard, a quadrangle-style courtyard. The small gates are decorated with quaint brick-carved hanging flowers.
Today, visitors can climb the over 60-meter-high Chengtian Temple Pagoda. The pagoda gate also faces east, and upon entering the square chamber, a wooden staircase spirals upward. The third, fifth, seventh, and ninth floors feature north-south arched windows, while the fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth floors feature east-west multi-door windows. Finally, the eleventh floor boasts four open and four darkened round windows, through which one can gaze out over Yinchuan's old city.
The temperate continental climate, around the Chengtian Tower, there are six 400-year-old locust trees, which contrast with the exquisite carvings on the screen wall, full of ancient atmosphere and fresh air, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
The garden has a strong sense of landscape design and is shaded by ancient trees. The tower has a steep staircase, from which you can overlook the entire Yinchuan city. There is also an exhibition of local calligraphers and painters in the courtyard.
It is recommended to play for 3 hours
Ticket price: 10 yuan per person;
An additional 20 yuan is required to climb the tower
9:00-17:30 in summer;
9:00-17:00 in winter;
Closed on Mondays
Chengtian Temple Pagoda, built in the Tang Dynasty, is one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist structures in Ningxia. It stands as a symbol of the region's deep cultural and religious history, having served as both a place of worship and a beacon for travelers over centuries. The pagoda is renowned for its well-preserved ancient architecture and its role in spreading Buddhism across the region.
Chengtian Temple Pagoda is located in the city of Yinchuan, Ningxia. It can be easily reached by taxi or public bus. For those traveling by metro, the nearest station is about a 20-minute walk from the pagoda. Local taxis and buses frequently serve the area, making it convenient for visitors to access.
The Chengtian Temple Pagoda is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the ticket booth. Online booking may be available during peak travel seasons or for group tours.
It is not usually necessary to book tickets in advance unless you are visiting during a peak holiday season. Booking a few days in advance may be recommended for large groups.
A visit to the Chengtian Temple Pagoda generally takes about 1-2 hours. This includes time to explore the pagoda, take photos, and visit the nearby temple grounds.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some guides may offer limited English explanations. Audio guides are also offered in Mandarin, with some English options available for international visitors.
The best viewpoints include the top of the pagoda, where visitors can get a panoramic view of Yinchuan city. The temple grounds and the pagoda's base also offer great opportunities for capturing the structure's beauty.
Start by entering the temple grounds and exploring the pagoda from the outside. Afterward, climb to the top of the pagoda to enjoy the view, then take time to explore the surrounding temple. Allow time for photography at key spots around the pagoda.
Night visits are not typically available. The pagoda is illuminated at night, but there are no special light shows or tours offered after dark.
The Chengtian Temple Pagoda is generally not crowded but can see an influx of visitors during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings and late afternoons.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available on-site. There are no food or water vendors inside the pagoda, but there are several cafes and restaurants nearby for visitors to grab a meal or snacks.
The pagoda is accessible for elderly visitors, though there are stairs to climb. The surrounding temple grounds are generally wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for children and families as well.
Cash is accepted for ticket purchases. However, cards and mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are also widely accepted in the area.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available at restaurants nearby. Many local eateries offer a variety of vegetarian and halal dishes to cater to different dietary preferences.
Souvenir shops near the pagoda offer traditional crafts, religious items like Buddhist statues, and local Ningxia specialties like dried fruits and wines.
Taxis, public buses, and rental bikes are the best options for continuing your trip. The Yinchuan metro system is also an option for exploring the city.
