The Wooden Pagoda Temple (木塔寺), originally named Wanshou Temple, is located on Xianfu South Street in Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. This historic site, situated within the grounds of the former Zhangye Middle School and now part of the Ancient Pagoda Square, represents a significant piece of China’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The origins of the Wooden Pagoda Temple date back to the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557–581 AD) or even earlier. According to the Stele Inscription for the Reconstruction of Wanshou Temple, the temple and pagoda were constructed to house relics of the Buddha. It is said that after the Buddha’s nirvana, 84,000 relics were enshrined in stupas by Emperor Ashoka. The Zhangye Wooden Pagoda is believed to be one of these ancient stupas.
The temple and pagoda have undergone several reconstructions over the centuries, including during the Sui Dynasty in 582 AD, the Tang Dynasty in 639 AD under the supervision of the famed general Yuchi Jingde, and further repairs during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Despite these renovations, the current structure dates back to a major reconstruction in 1926.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Wooden Pagoda Temple
- Other Attractions in Zhangye Urban Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 26 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
Location and Transportation
The Wooden Pagoda Temple is located at Xianfu South Street, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, China. It is situated at the center of the plaza near Zhangye Middle School’s dormitory buildings. To get there, you can take bus 18, 23 Inner Loop Line or 23 Outer Loop Line, get off at the South Entrance of the Square Stop (广场南口站), and walk about 100 meters to the north to reach the temple.
Highlights of Wooden Pagoda Temple
Architectural Marvel
Standing at 32.8 meters (107 feet) tall, the Wooden Pagoda Temple is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese pagoda architecture. The pagoda features an octagonal base with nine tiers, each adorned with intricate wooden dragon heads and dangling wind chimes. These chimes produce a soft, melodious sound that adds to the serene atmosphere of the temple.
The pagoda is constructed entirely of wood, employing an advanced technique that requires no nails or rivets. Instead, the structure relies on interlocking wooden beams and columns, connected through complex joinery techniques that ensure its stability and durability. The pagoda’s elegant design embodies traditional Chinese architectural principles, combining functional craftsmanship with aesthetic beauty.
Interior and Features
Inside the pagoda, visitors will find hollow brick walls, with each tier featuring windows, balconies, and corridors. These elements are adorned with delicate floral carvings and intricately designed brick sculptures. The pagoda’s inner structure includes doors and windows that offer a glimpse of the craftsmanship that went into its construction.
The top of the pagoda originally housed an ancient bell, which, when struck, produced a sound that reverberated across the landscape. Although the bell is no longer present, the echo of its historical resonance adds to the temple’s mystique.
Panoramic Views and Museum
Visitors who ascend to the top of the pagoda are rewarded with panoramic views of Zhangye City. The observation deck provides a breathtaking perspective of the cityscape, showcasing the blend of modern and traditional elements that define Zhangye.
In addition to the pagoda, the Wooden Pagoda Temple complex houses the Zhangye Folk Museum. This museum offers exhibits on the local customs, traditions, and cultural heritage of Zhangye, providing a broader context for the historical and cultural significance of the pagoda.
