Kaiyuan Temple and Xumi Pagoda

Kaiyuan Temple lies on Yanzhao South Street in Zhengding County, in Hebei province, about 15 kilometres north of central Shijiazhuang. The temple takes its name from the Kaiyuan era of the Tang dynasty, and its principal surviving monument is the Xumi Pagoda, also called the Xumi Tower or Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda. The pagoda is a square, multi-storey brick tower of the Tang period, and its tiered eaves, tapering profile and restrained decoration reflect the style of that dynasty. It is one of the best-known of Zhengding's group of ancient pagodas and is a protected cultural site at the national level. The pagoda was repaired in later dynasties, and parts of the upper structure show the effects of age. Alongside the pagoda stands the Kaiyuan Temple bell tower, a historic structure that has been traditionally associated with the temple. The wider monastery, once large, was progressively reduced by war and neglect, leaving the pagoda and a few remnant buildings as the main historic fabric. Modern conservation has focused on stabilising the brickwork and clearing the surrounding grounds. For visitors, the site is a compact and quiet one. Its value lies in the architecture of the pagoda itself, which can be studied from the ground, and in its place in a wider architectural trail through Zhengding that includes Linji Temple, Lingxiao Pagoda and Guanghui Temple. A visit of 30 to 45 minutes is typical, and the site is easily reached by taxi or local bus from the old town centre. Admission is modest, and the site is rarely crowded outside of holiday weeks.