The World Heritage Tentative List (2013) of Shanxi Province - Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County

On the World Heritage Tentative List of Shanxi Province, the wooden structures of the Liao Dynasty stand out as gems of great historical value and artistic charm. Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County, also known as the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is located in Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province, and represents the pinnacle of wooden architecture from the Liao Dynasty.

Constructed in the second year of the Qingning reign of the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD), this wooden pagoda stands at a height of 67.31 meters, with a base diameter of 30.27 meters. It features an external appearance of five stories and six eaves, but internally, it comprises nine floors, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient architecture. The pagoda boasts 59 types, which are alternatively stated as 57 types, of dougong brackets in various forms, which not only share the weight of the columns but also cushion external forces, earning it the title of “Dougong Museum.”

The Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County is not only architecturally exquisite but also rich in historical and cultural value. Inside the pagoda, precious handwritten and woodblock-printed scriptures from the Liao Dynasty have been discovered, serving as important materials for studying the politics, economy, and culture of the Liao Dynasty. Even more precious are the two relics of Buddha Shakyamuni's teeth enshrined within, making the pagoda a center and sacred site of Buddhist culture.

Despite enduring the ravages of time for over a thousand years, as well as numerous natural disasters and human-caused damage, the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County still stands tall, becoming a miracle in the history of ancient architecture. As a national key protected cultural relic unit, the protection and research of the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County are of great significance for inheriting and promoting excellent traditional Chinese culture. It is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese architecture but also a common heritage of all mankind.

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Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com