The twin towers of Taiyuan soar into the sky, magnificent!

The construction of the Taiyuan Twin Towers began in the 27th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1599). However, the Taiyuan Twin Towers were not built at the same time. The first tower to be built was the East Tower, the Wenfeng Tower. Although the two towers were built at different times, they are both octagonal 13-story pavilion-style brick towers. The tower surfaces imitate wooden structures, with bricks carved into brackets, arches and eaves rafters. There are stairs inside the towers that lead to the top. The two tall towers are located in the same temple. From the architectural features, the East Tower and the West Tower have the same era characteristics. The structure and shape of the brackets, and the cutting and polishing of the eaves, rafters, columns and beams are all similar. Although the two towers are of the same height, similar appearance and made of the same material, their functions are completely different and their shapes and decorations are also slightly different. The East Tower, also known as Wenfeng Tower, is 54.3 meters high and has a side length of 4.36 meters at the bottom. The eaves of the tower are all made of blue bricks carved into hook and drip patterns, which are simple and solemn, showing the vicissitudes of time and the weight of history. The tower body tapers layer by layer, with soft and smooth curves, showing a unique rhythmic beauty. The top of the tower is made of blue bricks in an octagonal spire style, and the base is made of octagonal iron. The three sections of the treasure gourd on the base are shining brightly, and the top two sections are made of copper, which makes it more noble and elegant. The West Pagoda, also known as the Xuanwen Pagoda, is 54.78 meters high and has a side length of 4.16 meters at the bottom. The eaves of the tower are decorated with turquoise colored glaze edges, forming a sharp contrast with the East Tower. The tower is larger at the bottom and smaller at the top, with a distinct taper, making it appear taller and more handsome. In the center of the tower top there is a waisted Sumeru pedestal and a stupa seat, with a copper lotus platform and precious beads placed on top as embellishment, adding a bit of sacredness and solemnity.