Two Ming-dynasty brick pagodas (about 55 m) that have become Taiyuan's skyline emblem, with the Yongzuo Temple halls at their base.
The Twin Pagodas, part of Yongzuo Temple in Haozhuang Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, are the city's best-known skyline emblem. Two slender Ming-dynasty brick pagodas, each about 55 metres tall and 13 storeys high, rise side by side on a low rise to the east of the old city and can be seen from many parts of Taiyuan. Their image appears on local logos, souvenirs and city branding.
The pagodas, known locally as Wenfeng Tower and Xuanwen Tower, were built in the late Ming period as part of Yongzuo Temple. They are octagonal, their exteriors of grey brick with simple corbelled eaves at each level, and they stand a short distance apart across a courtyard. The halls at their base, set within a walled temple compound, were restored in the modern era and house Buddhist figures, stelae and displays about the history of the site.
The visit is compact, normally one to one and a half hours. The most rewarding approach is to walk the courtyard to see the two pagodas from different angles, then step into the temple halls and the surrounding garden. Photographers favour late afternoon, when warm light picks out the brickwork and the pagodas show against a blue sky; a position between the two towers or from the garden edge gives a classic framing of both together.
Admission is roughly CNY 20, with seasonal opening hours that run slightly later in summer. Climbing the towers is generally not permitted, so the interest lies in viewing and photographing them from the ground. Crowds are modest on weekdays; weekends and holidays bring local families and school groups. The site is easy to reach by taxi from Wuyi Square for about CNY 15-25, or by city bus toward Haozhuang. Because the pagodas sit within a residential district, visitors can pair them with a meal in the surrounding streets.
| Admission | Adult About CNY 20 (~$3); sources vary · Child Reduced |
|---|---|
| Hours | Apr 1-Oct 31 08:30-17:30; Nov 1-Mar 31 09:00-17:00 (verify) |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon light |
| Getting there | Taxi about CNY 15-25 (~$2-3.50) from Wuyi Square, or city bus toward Haozhuang |
| Address | Haozhuang Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi |
Location
Haozhuang Village, Yingze District, Taiyuan, Shanxi
37.8541, 112.5883 View on map
Highlights
- Two 55-metre Ming-dynasty brick pagodas
- Skyline emblem of Taiyuan
- Yongzuo Temple halls at the base
- Late afternoon photography between the towers
Tips for visiting
- Visit in late afternoon for the best light on the brickwork.
- A taxi from Wuyi Square costs about CNY 15-25.
- Entry is about CNY 20; confirm current price at the gate.
- Allow about an hour; climbing the pagodas is not usually allowed.
- Weekday visits are quieter than weekends.
When to visit
Late afternoon gives the warmest light for photography. Weekday visits avoid the busiest crowds.
Accessibility
The courtyard and garden are largely flat and paved, which suits wheelchairs, though temple halls may have thresholds and steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Twin Pagodas take?
About one to one and a half hours is enough to see both towers and the temple halls.
Can visitors climb the pagodas?
Climbing is generally not permitted; the pagodas are viewed and photographed from the courtyard.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is permitted in the grounds, though inside temple halls signs may restrict it.