Twin Pagoda Temple (Yongzuo Temple)
永祚寺
Two thirteen-story brick pagodas built during the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty, a symbol of Taiyuan, with the ancient peonies in spring especially renowned.
Yongzuo Temple, commonly known as the Twin Pagoda Temple, lies in Haozhuang in southeastern Taiyuan. It was built during the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty under the direction of the eminent monk Miaofeng. The Xuanwen Pagoda and the Wenfeng Pagoda are both octagonal, thirteen-story brick pagodas about 54 m tall, standing side by side. Known as the Twin Wenfeng Pagodas, they are a landmark of Taiyuan. Inside the temple, the Wuliang Hall (Hall without Beams) is built entirely of brick vaults without a single piece of timber, and the stele gallery houses Ming and Qing calligraphy carvings. You can climb the narrow stairs inside the Xuanwen Pagoda to see views over the city, but the stairs are steep and narrow, so use caution if you are not in good shape. From mid-to-late April to early May each year, the centuries-old Ming peonies, including Zixia Xian, bloom throughout the temple grounds, making it the peak flower-viewing season. Admission is about 30 yuan (subject to confirmation on site). Allow 1 to 1.5 hours; a taxi from the city center takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00 (earlier closing in winter; check scenic area announcements)
Nearby sights
- Taiyuan Northern Qi Mural Museum
- Taiyuan Confucian Temple (Shanxi Archaeology Museum)
- Chongshan Temple
- Chunyang Palace (Shanxi Ancient Architecture Museum)
- Yingze Park
- Zhonglou Street & Liuxiang
- Taiyuan Great Mosque
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Taiyuan