Yongzuo Temple (永祚寺), commonly known as the Twin Pagoda Temple (双塔寺), is located in the southeastern part of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province. Established during the Ming Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Wanli (1573–1620), the temple complex covers an area of 120,000 square meters and is set against a mountainous backdrop.
The temple is divided into three main areas: the temple itself, the pagoda courtyard, and the stele corridor. Key structures include the Mountain Gate, the East and West Side Rooms of the front courtyard, the Second Gate, Third Gate, and the Main Hall in the rear courtyard. The Main Hall, known as the Mahavira Hall, is a two-story rectangular building. The lower floor, with five bays, is an impressive brick construction designed to resemble wood without any actual wooden beams. Inside, it houses statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Bhaisajyaguru Buddha. Notably, Amitabha Buddha is a bronze standing statue, while the other two are iron seated statues, indicating they were moved from other locations. The upper floor, originally named the Avalokitesvara Pavilion, is now known as the Three Saints Hall, housing statues of Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, and Samantabhadra.
At the highest point of the temple complex, you will find the Xuanwen Pagoda and the Wenfeng Pagoda, which are 13-story octagonal towers standing approximately 54.7 meters tall. These pagodas represent the most complete and largest example of paired brick pagodas in China. Positioned on a high mountain, they have long been a landmark visible from afar and are considered symbols of Taiyuan.
Yongzuo Temple is also renowned for its peonies, with over 40 rare varieties including Yao Huang, Wei Zi, Zhao Fen, Dou Lv, and Zhuang Yuan Hong. Notably, it features several Ming Dynasty peonies called Zi Xia Xian (also known as Zi Yun Xian). These peonies are rare and have been cultivated for a long time, blooming early with large, fragrant flowers that transition from flesh pink to pale purple and finally to a deep purple as they mature.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB (1st April – 31st October) 20 RMB (1st November – 31st March) |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 (1st April – 31st October) 9.00 – 17.00 (1st November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0351-4551302 |
Location and Transportation
Yongzuo Temple is located in Haozhuang Village, Haozhuang Town, Yingze District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province. To get there, you can take public bus routes 23, 812, or 820 and alight at the Shuangta North Road and Yongzuo West Street bus stop (双塔北路永祚西街口站). From there, it is a short walk to the temple.
