Shanxi Guangsheng Temple｜Feihong Pagoda: A Millennium of Glazed Bricks Forming a Flying Rainbow

When visiting ancient architecture in Shanxi, the Feihong Pagoda at Guangsheng Temple is an unmissable masterpiece! This treasure, hidden in the upper temple of Guangsheng Temple in Hongtong County, is the most complete and exquisite colorful glazed pagoda in China, and a rare high-standard glazed building in the world. Under the sunlight, it shines brilliantly like a long rainbow spanning the sky, truly living up to its name "Flying Rainbow." 📜 A Millennium of Ancient Architecture Heritage The history of Feihong Pagoda dates back to the Han Dynasty. The existing structure was rebuilt in the 10th year of the Ming Zhengde era (1515) and completed in the 6th year of the Jiajing era (1527). Standing 47.31 meters tall with 13 octagonal pavilion-style stories, it is built with brick and stone as the framework, inlaid with colorful glazed tiles in yellow, green, blue, brown, and white. Each piece of glazed tile has withstood centuries of weathering yet remains bright and vivid, representing the pinnacle of ancient glazed craftsmanship. 🌟 Key Travel Tips - Best Viewing: Choose a sunny day! Under sunlight, the glazed tiles refract colorful light, creating a natural atmosphere perfect for photos without filters; - Visiting Tips: Climbing the pagoda is currently not open, but you can closely admire the glazed patterns on the tower’s body, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in every detail; - Tickets and Transportation: The scenic area ticket is about 55 RMB (including the upper temple, lower temple, and Water God Temple). The shuttle bus costs 10 RMB one way or 20 RMB round trip. It is recommended to reserve half a day for an in-depth visit. 🗺️ More Than Feihong Pagoda: Hidden Highlights of Guangsheng Temple - Lower Temple Mahavira Hall: The plaque above the door, inscribed with "Treasure Raft and Golden Rope" from the Guangxu period, subtly conveys the Buddhist meaning of "using the Dharma as a raft to ferry all beings." Unfortunately, the grand murals originally inside were sold overseas in 1928 for 1,600 silver dollars, leaving only empty walls and a stone stele in the courtyard that evokes deep reflection; - Water God Temple Murals: Rare secular-themed murals! Scenes of praying for rain, rain falling, theatrical performances, playing ball, and chess are vividly depicted. There are also interesting images illustrating ancient "refrigerators" and watermelons, directly showcasing the lifestyle of nobles at the time, making it a living historical scroll. Come to Shanxi to experience the charm of "Viewing the Earth’s Cultural Relics in Sanjin." The glazed splendor of Feihong Pagoda and the cultural stories of Guangsheng Temple are well worth your personal exploration!