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 ^_^