Wenfeng Pagoda (文峰塔), situated in the ancient city of Anyang, Henan Province, was constructed in the second year of the Guangshun era during the Later Zhou Dynasty (952 AD), making it over a thousand years old. Originally known as the Tianning Temple Pagoda due to its location within the Tianning Temple, it was later renamed Wenfeng Pagoda as it stands northeast of the old Zhangde Prefecture Confucian Temple, symbolizing the local “literary atmosphere.” Despite enduring the trials of wartime, it still stands tall and magnificent today.
Rising to a height of 38.65 meters with a base circumference of 40 meters and a wall thickness of 2.5 meters, Wenfeng Pagoda features a brick body and wooden eaves. It rises from a circular lotus pedestal, consisting of seven layers of lotus petals that alternate up and down, stretching left and right. The lower part protects the pagoda base while the upper part supports the pagoda body. The pagoda body consists of five eaves, gradually increasing in size from bottom to top in an umbrella-like shape, a unique feature found only in this ancient pagoda in China. At the top sits a 10-meter-high vase-shaped pagoda spire, similar to the White Pagoda in Beihai Park, Beijing, constructed during the Qing Dynasty.
Buddhist story brick carvings adorn the eight walls of the pagoda, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and vivid imagery. On the south side, there are three Buddha statues, with Vairocana Buddha seated in the middle, flanked by Lokesvara Bodhisattva on the right and Shakyamuni Buddha on the left. The southwest side features a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha preaching, with Sakyamuni Buddha seated in the center, disciples Ananda and Mahakasyapa standing on either side, and two guardian deities standing in front of the niche. The west side depicts the birth of Shakyamuni Buddha. In the center of the painting, a canopy of auspicious clouds hangs overhead, with curtains draped inside. The prominent figure is a noblewoman followed closely by her attendant. A naked baby stands on a table with two guardians on either side, while nine dragons in the sky spray water to bathe the prince.
Wenfeng Pagoda is adorned with bronze bells hanging from each eave, producing a melodious sound when the wind blows gently. Inside the pagoda, there are numerous precious relics and stone inscriptions, including stone-carved Buddha statues from the Tang Dynasty and stone-carved scriptures from the Song Dynasty. Climbing the 72 steps inside the pagoda allows visitors to ascend to the top of Wenfeng Pagoda, offering a panoramic view of the ancient city of Anyang.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 25 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0372-5923227 |
Location and Transportation
Wenfeng Pagoda is located in the northwest corner of the ancient city of Anyang, Henan Province, China. Its specific address is No. 2 Wenfeng South Street. To get there, you can tkae bus 25, 26, 32, 36, 46, 61, 63, or Y1 and get off at Wenfeng Pagoda Stop (文峰塔站).