Explore the Tang Dynasty Pagoda at Longxing Temple in Xinjiang County.

Drive to Xinjiang County and visit Longxing Temple, where four must-see attractions await: the Biluo Stele, the main hall sculptures, the Longxing Temple Pagoda, and the Song-Jin Tombs. The Biluo Stele is a national treasure from the Tang Dynasty, inscribed with calligraphy in various scripts, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Longxing Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, features a surviving main hall from the Yuan Dynasty, housing seven exquisite Yuan Dynasty painted sculptures. The Longxing Temple Pagoda offers a thrilling challenge, equipped with hanging ladders for visitors to climb. As you ascend using both hands and feet, the passage narrows. The pagoda's details are incredibly intricate, with stone inscriptions on each level, such as "One Pillar Supporting the Sky," "Two Immortal Palms," and "Three Leaps at the Dragon Gate." The base of the pagoda is shaped like an iron gourd and features a couplet inscribed by magistrate Wu Jin: "Rain or shine, watch the changes of the Dragon Gate from a ruler's distance; green clouds connect remotely, vying for the height of the Wild Goose Pagoda." From the top of the pagoda, you can overlook the entire Xinjiang County, experiencing the weight of history and the vibrancy of the present. The Song-Jin Tombs boast beautiful brick carvings. From atop Longxing Pagoda, you'll spot a large cathedral in the distance, a Catholic church built during the Republic of China era and one of the four major Catholic churches in the country. It's surprising to find such a grand and beautifully constructed church in a small county.