#Tianning Temple Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Temples
Address:
Tianning Street, Zhengding County, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province
Opening times:
Open tomorrow at 09:00-17:00Closed Today
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hour
Zhengding Four Pagodas
Zhengding Four Pagodas
There are currently four ancient pagodas in Zhengding City: Lingxiao Pagoda, Sumi Pagoda, Hua Pagoda, and Chengling Pagoda, all of which were built during the Sui and Tang dynasties.
Lingxiao Pagoda
Lingxiao Pagoda is located on Dazhong Street within Zhengding County, situated in the Tianning Temple, also known as the Wooden Pagoda. It was initially built in the early years of the Tang Xiantong period (AD 860). It was repaired during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The pagoda has a mixed structure of brick and wood, with nine levels and a height of 60 meters, making it the tallest ancient building in Zhengding City. The height of each level decreases from top to bottom. There are stairs inside the pagoda to climb to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. Above these floors, there is a central pillar connected to the pagoda body with radial corner beams. From the outside, the bottom three levels of the pagoda body have brick bucket arches. Above the 4th level, the bucket arches and flying eaves are all wooden structures, with wind bells hanging at each corner and doors on all four sides. The top originally had an iron cast jujube kernel-shaped pagoda spire. As the pagoda rises, the height of each level decreases, and the segmentation of each level increases, giving the appearance a sense of stability and elegance. This type of high-level ancient pagoda structure, with a brick base, wooden upper levels, and a central pillar penetrating five levels, is extremely rare in the country. However, the pagoda spire and top were shaken off during the 1966 Xingtai earthquake, and the ancient pagoda body was also damaged. The current Wooden Pagoda is a reconstruction, with its height reduced to 40 meters, and its structure is not entirely the same as the original pagoda, but it is still a magnificent tall pagoda.
Sumi Pagoda
The Sumi Pagoda of Kaiyuan Temple, also known as the Brick Pagoda or Square Pagoda, is located on Changsheng Street within Zhengding City. It was built in the second year of Xinghe in the Eastern Wei Dynasty (AD 540). The pagoda has 9 levels and is 53 meters high. The pagoda body has a square plan and is hollow; the walls are built with blue bricks, and the interior is reinforced with wood, making it more solid. Each corner of the bottom level has pseudo-tympanum stone carvings in the style of the Tang Dynasty. Each level has a door on the front, with the bottom level having a stone ring door. The first level has a lintel carved with two dragons playing with a pearl, and each corner has wind chimes hanging. The pagoda body is basically intact, with a simple shape and distinct Tang pagoda characteristics. To the east of the pagoda is an ancient bell tower with a huge copper bell inside. When the bell is struck, it can be heard for dozens of miles around. This pagoda is one of the simplest and most straightforward high-level ancient pagodas in China in terms of structure and exterior design.
Hua Pagoda
The Hua Pagoda of Guanghui Temple, also known as the Flower Pagoda or Multitreasure Pagoda, is located on Minsheng Street within Zhengding County. It was built during the Tang Zhenyuan period (AD 785—805) and has a history of over 1100 years. The pagoda is 40.5 meters high, with a unique shape and structure. The Hua Pagoda has a brick and mortar structure, with the first level of the pagoda body having an octagonal plan. On the four main sides, there are additional flat hexagonal pavilion-like single-layer annexes, commonly known as small pagodas, hence the name Multitreasure Pagoda. There are round arched doors on each main side and outside the annexes. The configuration of the bucket arches is peculiar. The second level of the pagoda body is octagonal, with three bays on each side, a flat base below, and bucket arches and eaves tiles above. The central bay on each side is a door, with false lattice windows and long rectangular pointed brick niches on the sides. The third level has a very large base, but the pagoda body suddenly becomes smaller. There are square doors and false windows on all four sides. Above the third level, the octagonal base is supported by strongmen, and the pagoda body is conical, with colorful sculptures of tigers, leopards, lions, dragons, and Buddha figures in relief around it. Above is an octagonal eave top, with a pagoda spire on top, which is now damaged. The Hua Pagoda has a unique shape, with a structure that varies from level to level, reflecting the architectural techniques of the Tang Dynasty in China.
Chengling Pagoda
The Chengling Pagoda is located in the southeast corner of Zhengding City, within the Linji Temple, also known as the Green Pagoda. It was built in the eighth year of Tang Xiantong (867). This pagoda has a story: during the Tang Dynasty, the monk Yixuan founded the Linji school of Buddhism in Zhengding, which became one of the important sects of Buddhism in China and was later introduced to Japan during the Song Dynasty. Yixuan passed away in the seventh year of Tang Xiantong (866), and the following year, Buddhists chose a location in the southeast of Zhengding City to build a pagoda for his burial. Thus, the Linji Temple was moved here. The temple was destroyed early on, but the Green Pagoda was rebuilt during the Jin Dading period. It is still considered the birthplace of the Linji school, with many followers. The Green Pagoda is 33 meters high, with nine levels, and the pagoda body is made of brick, in an octagonal shape. In recent years, friends from the Japanese Buddhist community often visit this pagoda for pilgrimage.
TravelCrossroads*55
Zhengding Ancient City·Tianning Temple·Lingxiao Pagoda
Ticket price is 10 yuan, free for those above 60 years old.
There are many places named Tianning Temple, but the one in Zhengding was initially established during the Tang Dynasty, under Emperor Dezong, and was converted to Tianning Zen Temple by imperial decree in the second year of the Daguan era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1108 AD). According to historical records, the temple originally had main buildings along the central axis from south to north, including an archway, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, a heavy gate, an antechamber, Lingxiao Pagoda, and a rear hall, of which only the Lingxiao Pagoda remains.
The Lingxiao Pagoda, initially called 'Hui Guang Pagoda,' was later named 'Lingxiao Pagoda' by people due to its tall, soaring, and straight shape reaching into the sky, and it is commonly known as the 'Wooden Pagoda' because of its primary wooden structure. The pagoda has an octagonal plan and is a nine-story brick-and-wood mixed structure in the style of a pavilion tower, with a height of 40.98 meters, which was once accessible for climbing (not anymore). The first to third floors are brick structures, the fourth floor is a brick-and-wood mixed structure, and the fifth to ninth floors are wooden frameworks. The external contours are progressively reduced layer by layer, giving a sense of stability and softness. The ingenuity lies in the fact that above the fourth floor of the central chamber, there is a central pillar structure that is extremely beneficial for stabilizing the pagoda. Mr. Luo Zhe Wen, in his book 'Chinese Ancient Pagodas,' mentioned this structure, saying: 'Among the existing physical structures in our country, only the wooden pagoda of Tianning Temple in Zhengding still has this type of structure.' Its importance in the history of ancient Chinese pagoda architecture is self-evident.
Finally, the dumbbells under the gatekeeper's bed are exactly the same as the ones at my home ^_^
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Embark on a journey through the ancient towers that have stood for a millennium, and visit the magnificent Hua Tower within the city of Zhengding
🎈 There are four ancient towers still standing within Zhengding city: the Lingxiao Tower, the Sumi Tower, the Hua Tower, and the Chengling Tower. These towers were all built during the Sui and Tang dynasties, which inevitably makes one admire the history of this small city.
🎈 The entrance fee for the Guanghui Temple Hua Tower is 15 yuan. This tower is a national-level cultural heritage site, and its unique architectural style is definitely worth a look for those who love ancient buildings. Although climbing the tower is not permitted, the brick carvings and sculptures of various auspicious beasts and strongmen on the tower are truly beautiful. Even if you are just sightseeing, you can still admire it from a distance outside the courtyard.
🎈 The Hua Tower is also known as the Flower Tower or the Multitreasure Tower, located on Minsheng Street within Zhengding County. It was originally built during the Zhenyuan era of the Tang Dynasty (785—805 AD), and has a history of over 1100 years. Mr. Liang Sicheng once called it a rare treasure in the country. The entire tower stands 40.5 meters tall, with a very unique shape and structure. The Hua Tower is constructed with a brick and lime structure, and the first floor of the tower is octagonal, with each side featuring a flat hexagonal single-layer annex, also known as a 'small tower'. The name 'Multitreasure Tower' comes from this feature (the 'small towers' were damaged during renovations in the late 1990s). The front of the tower and the exterior of the annexes all have round arched doorways, and the layout of the bucket arches is very peculiar. The second floor of the tower is a regular octagon, with three sections on each side, a flat base below, and bucket arch eaves tiles above. In the middle of each side is a door, flanked by false lattice windows and long, rectangular, brick-built Buddha niches. The base of the third floor is very large, but the tower body suddenly becomes smaller. There are square doors and false windows on all four sides. Above the third floor, on the octagonal base, there are statues of strongmen, and the tower body is conical, with colorful sculptures of tigers, leopards, lions, dragons, and Buddhas carved along the vertical lines of the eight sides. The sculptures on each floor are arranged in a staggered fashion, full of rhythm. The very top has an octagonal eave, with a tower spire, but it is now damaged. The shape of the Hua Tower is very unique, with layers of structural changes, showcasing the unique techniques of Tang Dynasty architecture.
🎈 Those who love ancient architecture often have the mindset of standing shoulder to shoulder with the ancients beneath ancient buildings, feeling the weight of history.
V.ct0r.@ J0hns0n
Zhengding Four Towers Travel Guide, the same photo spot as Liang Sicheng
Envious of Liang Sicheng
Taking his wife to take photos and check in everywhere
During the chaotic times of war, Mr. Liang Sicheng came to Zhengding, Hebei, and took photos of the Zhengding Four Towers, leaving behind precious pictures. However, it is unknown what color the vividly colored Zhengding Four Towers were back then. It is probably rare for a county town to have four ancient towers that are over a thousand years old, like this small city of Zhengding
🏯 Zhengding Four Towers
✅ Tianning Temple Lingxiao Tower (Tang Dynasty): Mr. Liang Sicheng's original words: 'The height of the tower body decreases with each ascending layer, while the eaves become more pronounced', a brick and wood mixed pavilion-style tower
✅ Kaiyuan Temple Sumi Tower (Tang Dynasty): Mr. Liang Sicheng's original words: 'In terms of form, it is the oldest of the Zhengding Four Towers', a nine-story dense eave style square tower
✅ Guanghui Temple Hua Tower (Tang Dynasty): Mr. Liang Sicheng's original words: 'From the perspective of form, this Hua Tower may be a unique example in the country', a rare flower tower
✅ Linji Temple Chengling Tower (Tang Dynasty): Mr. Liang Sicheng's original words 'Clear and elegant, can be considered a top-quality tower among towers', an octagonal nine-tier dense eave style brick tower
🎫 Tickets
Tianning Temple Lingxiao Tower 15 Kaiyuan Temple Sumi Tower 20
Guanghui Temple Hua Tower 15 Linji Temple Chengling Tower Free
You can see them all at the entrance when taking photos
If you are sentimental and have time, you can go in and take a look
Temples may be destroyed, but only towers are eternal‼️
MIRANDA AGUILAR
One-day tour of less-known routes in Shijiazhuang
Unexpected international village, worth a citywalk
Time: 9:00—20:00
Route: Zhengding Station→Ancient City Wall→Guanghui Temple→Linji Temple→Yanghe Tower→Kaiyuan Temple→Tianning Temple→Longxing Temple→Hebei Museum→Shijiazhuang Station.
Transportation:
①Taxi: Take a taxi to Zhengding in the city, about 0.5h, about 50 yuan
②Bus: Take bus 130 from the museum to Zhengding, about 40 minutes
③Train: Zhengding Station
Ancient city transportation: The distance between attractions is about 1 kilometer, it is recommended to walk
Cost: 204r, scenic spot tickets + transportation + food
Ancient City Wall (free): Built in the Ming Dynasty.
Guanghui Temple (15r): There is only one tower, currently the most magnificent tower in China. Built in the Song Dynasty, a pavilion building combining brick and wood, 31.5m high, 4 floors. The fourth floor is the essence of the tower, with wall sculptures and inlays, two stone Buddhas are enshrined in the conical inner eaves tower room, and the outer eaves are centered on the vertical lines of the eight faces and eight corners, with interlaced colored sculptures of Bodhisattvas, strong men, birds and beasts, lions, elephants, frogs and pavilions etc.
Linji Temple (free): Built in the Eastern Wei Dynasty.
Daxiong Hall: Enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha.
Chengling Tower: 30.47 meters high, octagonal nine-level eaves tower.
Yanghe Tower (free): Built at the end of the Jin Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty, it is the cradle of Yuanqu.
Kaiyuan Temple (20r): Built in the Eastern Wei Dynasty.
Sumeru Tower, 39.55m high, 9 floors.
Bell Tower: The only existing Tang Dynasty bell tower.
Tianning Temple (15r):
Only Lingxiao Tower, built in the Tang Dynasty, brick and wood structure, 9-storey pavilion tower, 41 meters high.
Longxing Temple (5r): You must bring a guide to visit.
Dabei Pavilion: The main hall of the temple, the pavilion is 33 meters high, the five-story three-story pavilion enshrines the Great Compassion Guanyin Bodhisattva 21.3 meters high, which is the best preserved and highest bronze cast Guanyin Bodhisattva in China, with 42 arms around the body, also known as "Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes Guanyin" Each arm holds the sun and moon, clean bottle, pagoda, vajra, sword, etc.
Mani Hall: Enshrines Sakyamuni, the east and west sides of the hall are painted with the Western Paradise and the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli World, the north side wall is a five-color hanging mountain made of clay, with more than 30 Buddha statues, and the most beautiful five-color hanging Shuo Guanyin statue in the middle.
Hebei Museum: You must ask for an explanation
Ten treasures of the museum:
①Liu Sheng's gold-threaded jade suit
②Changxin Palace lamp
③Gold-inlaid Boshan stove
④King Zhongshan's large bronze tripod
⑤Gold and silver four dragons and four phoenixes bronze square case
⑥Carved dragon and phoenix pattern copper head
⑦Mural of the tomb passage of Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi Gao Yang
⑧White stone painted music relief
⑨Blue and white open light carved red blue glaze flowers and plants large jar
Tips:
1、You can pray for blessings clockwise around the tower
2、Enter the temple to visit and pray for blessings clockwise
3、Do not take pictures of Buddha statues
4、There are joint tickets for ancient city attractions, 80r
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Zhengding Ancient City Tour (IV) / The "Beam Removal and Column Replacement" of the Lingxiao Tower in Tianning Temple
🎯👉 One of the "Four Towers" of Zhengding Ancient City, the Lingxiao Tower of Tianning Temple is worth a careful look:
🚩Originally 60 meters high, it is the tallest ancient building in the city; it was built during the Tang Dynasty, and after a thousand years of vicissitudes, it is now 40 meters high, still tall and majestic, worthy of its name;
🚩The pair of crooked-headed lions at the entrance of Tianning Temple, relics of the Ming Dynasty; Figures 6-7
🚩Lingxiao Tower, brick and wood structure, the 1-4 floors of the Song Dynasty are brick structure, the 4-9 floors of the Jin Dynasty, brick and wood structure rebuilt, from the 4th floor to the top of the tower is built with a wooden Tongtian column, called the wooden heart column structure, which is commonly known as the beam removal and column replacement. Professionals say that this tower's heart column is the longest and largest among the existing ancient towers, with a special structure, it is an important example among the ancient towers in our country, and also a model of the mixed brick and wood structure in the north.
🎟🎟 The ticket is 20 yuan per person, and there is a commemorative stamp at the entrance (the other three towers do not have). It is within 200 meters of Kaiyuan Temple.
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Exploring Zhengding
The experience of exploring Zhengding is superb, which can be said to surpass 99% of other domestic cities. The preservation of cultural relics is excellent, needless to say, many details of the city's facilities reflect a friendly attitude towards tourists. Such as parking management, drinking water facilities, restroom facilities, special catering services, etc.