An 11-story pagoda in northern Yinchuan's old town, traditionally dated to the 5th century, with a square base unusual among Chinese pagodas and a temple hall at its foot.
Haibao Pagoda, known locally as the North Pagoda, stands in northern Yinchuan's old town in Xingqing District and is traditionally dated to the 5th century, though the current structure reflects a Qing-dynasty rebuilding after earthquake damage. The 11-story pagoda is unusual among Chinese pagodas for its square rather than octagonal or hexagonal base, giving it a distinctly blocky, upright profile compared to most surviving Chinese pagodas of similar age. A small temple hall sits at the pagoda's foot, housing Buddhist statuary and serving as the entrance point for visitors, and for an additional fee visitors can climb the narrow internal staircase through the pagoda's interior floors to a viewing level near the top, looking out over Yinchuan's old town and toward the Helan Mountains. A visit typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, split between the temple hall at ground level and the climb up the pagoda itself, which is narrow and involves steep, dim stairways. The pagoda grounds open earlier, from around 7:30am, on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month for religious observances, when the temple hall is busier with local worshippers; weekday mornings outside these dates are quieter. Photographs of the full pagoda are best taken from the temple courtyard in front, where the square tiers are visible from base to top.
| Admission | Adult ¥10 entry (approx $1.50), plus ¥20 (approx $3) to climb to the top · Child Discounted for students and seniors |
|---|---|
| Hours | 9:00AM-5:00PM (earlier opening from 7:30AM on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month) |
| Typical visit | 45 minutes-1 hour |
| Best time | Weekday mornings outside lunar festival dates |
| Getting there | North of the old town in Xingqing District, Yinchuan; city bus or taxi |
| Address | Minzu Street North, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China |
Location
Minzu Street North, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
38.4982, 106.2873 View on map
Highlights
- An 11-story pagoda with a square base, unusual among Chinese pagoda architecture
- A climbable interior staircase to an upper viewing level
- A temple hall at the pagoda's base with Buddhist statuary
- Views over Yinchuan's old town and toward the Helan Mountains from the top
Tips for visiting
- Pay the separate climbing fee at the temple hall if planning to go up the interior staircase
- Wear closed shoes for the narrow, steep internal stairs
- Visit on a weekday outside the 1st and 15th of the lunar month for the quietest temple grounds
- Student and senior ID holders qualify for discounted admission
When to visit
Weekday mornings outside the 1st and 15th of the lunar month are quietest; those lunar dates bring larger crowds of local worshippers.
Accessibility
The temple hall at ground level is accessible, but the pagoda's interior staircase is narrow and steep and is not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Haibao Pagoda take?
Most visitors need 45 minutes to an hour, including the climb up the interior staircase.
Is it worth climbing the pagoda with kids?
Older children who can manage steep, narrow stairs generally enjoy the climb and the view from the top; it is less suited to very young children.
Is photography allowed inside the pagoda?
Photography is generally allowed both at ground level and from the upper viewing floors.