Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
π Introduction
The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, officially known as the Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is located in Fogong Temple northwest of Ying County, Shuozhou City. Standing 67.31 meters tall with a base diameter of 30.27 meters, it is China's oldest and tallest surviving wooden pagoda, and one of the world's three great pagodas. The entire structure uses no iron nails, relying entirely on interlocking wooden joints.
π Historical Background
The pagoda was built in 1056 AD during the Liao Dynasty, commissioned by Empress Xiao of Emperor Xingzong. It has survived multiple earthquakes, including a major earthquake in 1305 that destroyed all surrounding buildings while the pagoda remained intact. Despite nearly a thousand years of weathering, its main structure remains well-preserved.