Xingguo Temple Pagoda

Introducing Xingguo Temple Pagoda

The Xingguo Temple Pagoda in Jiangyin is located west of the intersection of South Street and Zhongshan South Road in the urban area. Built during the Taiping Xingguo reign of the Northern Song Dynasty (976-983), it was originally a seven-story pagoda at the Taiping Xingguo Temple and is commonly known as the "Xingguo Temple Pagoda."

Despite the numerous ups and downs of Xingguo Temple, the ancient pagoda still survives, boasting a history of over a thousand years. With its simple and dignified elegance, it stands majestically within the ancient city's Xingguo Temple grounds. The Xingguo Pagoda, a pavilion-style brick and wood structure, was damaged by war during the Zhizheng reign of the Yuan Dynasty and restored during the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty, with nine stories added. In 1817, the 22nd year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty, the pagoda's wooden structure and roof were destroyed by fire, though the brick walls and cylindrical structure remain. On January 26, 1925, during the civil war between the Zhili and Fengtian warlords, Fengtian troops fired artillery fire on the top of the remaining pagoda, leaving it in the shape of a pen tip.

In 1982, the Xingguo Temple Pagoda was designated a county-level cultural relic protection site. Under the guidance of experts from the Provincial Cultural Relics Management Committee, a comprehensive restoration project, totaling over 300,000 yuan, was carried out from July 1985 to December 1986. The pagoda now stands at 42.22 meters, with eight floors remaining.

The Xingguo Temple Pagoda has weathered thousands of years of vicissitudes and witnessed the history of Jiangyin Ancient City. Today, Jiangyin people regard it as the symbol of Jiangyin Ancient City and the indomitable spirit of the Jiangyin people.

Climate and best time to travel

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate.

Travel time: All seasons are suitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Tourist Attractions: To protect the thousand-year-old pagoda, the Xingguo Garden was rebuilt in July 2002. It now covers an area of ​​26,000 square meters and is divided into three parts: a leisure area for commemorating the past, a scenic area for appreciating the past, and a scenic area for poetry and culture.

Play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

Xingguo Garden is free and has no admission fee

Attraction opening hours

Open all year round

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Most Popular FAQs for Xingguo Temple Pagoda

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Xingguo Temple Pagoda is an important historical and cultural site in Wuxi, originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It stands as a symbol of the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. The pagoda's design and the surrounding temple complex reflect the traditional architectural style of ancient Chinese temples.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Xingguo Temple Pagoda is located in the eastern part of Wuxi. It can be accessed by taxi or public bus from Wuxi Railway Station or the city center. For a more scenic route, you can also take a walk from nearby attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The pagoda is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is early in the morning or during weekdays to avoid large crowds. Early spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for visiting.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is approximately 20 RMB. Tickets can be bought at the ticket counter on-site or through local online ticketing platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is usually not necessary unless you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or public holidays. For convenience, you can book tickets a few days in advance online.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to fully explore the pagoda, temple grounds, and take in the views from the top. If you wish to enjoy the surrounding gardens and relax, plan for 2 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights include the pagoda itself, which offers fantastic views of Wuxi, the peaceful temple grounds, and the surrounding gardens. Don’t miss the intricate carvings and statues inside the pagoda.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English may be available, but it’s advisable to check in advance. Guided tours are a good way to learn more about the history of the temple and pagoda.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are from the top of the pagoda, offering panoramic views of Wuxi’s landscape, including nearby lakes and mountains. The pagoda’s detailed carvings and the peaceful temple surroundings also make great photography spots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the temple grounds before heading up to the pagoda. After reaching the top for the views, spend some time in the garden area below for a peaceful experience. Make sure to stop by the small museum or cultural exhibits if available.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, the site is only open during the day. Night visits or special light shows are not available, but the pagoda and temple offer a serene experience in daylight.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The pagoda can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a quieter experience, visit during the weekdays, especially early in the morning.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities such as toilets, water fountains, and rest areas are available. There are also small souvenir shops near the entrance. For food, there are a few local restaurants nearby, but no food facilities inside the pagoda complex itself.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site is accessible to most visitors, including elderly and children. However, climbing the pagoda may be challenging for some visitors due to the steep steps. The grounds and temple areas are mostly flat and easy to navigate.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted. Credit cards are typically accepted at the ticket counter and souvenir shops.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Nearby restaurants offer a variety of local dishes, including Wuxi-style pork and other Jiangsu delicacies. You can find more dining options in the downtown Wuxi area, a short taxi ride away.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby restaurants, but halal food may require searching in more specialized areas of Wuxi.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Hotels like the Wuxi Grand Hotel and Crowne Plaza are close to the pagoda, offering convenient accommodations with comfortable amenities. Budget options are also available nearby.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Wuxi Grand Canal, the Nanchan Temple, and Liyuan Garden. All of these can be easily visited in a day trip.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops near the pagoda sell items such as postcards, small religious statues, and traditional Chinese crafts. Popular souvenirs include Wuxi’s local handicrafts and tea.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting, taxis, local buses, or the Wuxi Metro (Line 1) are convenient options to continue your journey to other parts of the city or attractions nearby.