Atlas of China
Iron Pagoda 开封铁塔Kāifēng Tiětǎ
A 56-metre glazed-brick pagoda of 1049 that has outlasted floods and earthquakes
- Best time
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Days to budget
- Half a day
- Stay in
- Kaifeng
- Region
- Henan
- Type
- Heritage
- Listed as
- 4A scenic area, National heritage site
Why go to Iron Pagoda
Kaifeng's Iron Pagoda is a 13-storey octagonal brick tower, about 56 m tall, finished in 1049 in the Northern Song. It is called 'iron' for the rusty brown colour of its glazed bricks, which are moulded with more than fifty patterns of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, flying figures, musicians, lions and flowers. It stands in Iron Pagoda Park in the north-east of the old city and is one of the best surviving pieces of Song brick architecture.
The story
A wooden pagoda on this spot, built by the architect Yu Hao in the Northern Song, burned after a lightning strike in 1044, so Emperor Renzong's builders replaced it in brick and glaze. Records count 38 earthquakes and six Yellow River floods that the tower has weathered, and it also survived wartime shelling.
What to see at Iron Pagoda
- The pagoda 铁塔: A 13-storey octagonal tower whose brown glazed bricks, eaves and 104 hanging bells are best studied from close up as you walk around the base.
- Glazed-brick carvings 琉璃砖雕: Look for the Buddhas, monks, musicians, flying figures, lions and flowers moulded into the bricks, a rich display of Song brick carving.
- Iron Pagoda Park 铁塔公园: A landscaped park round the tower, a quiet counterpart to the crowded centre.
How to visit Iron Pagoda
Enter Iron Pagoda Park and walk a full circuit of the pagoda, looking up at the carved bricks on each face. Allow an hour for the tower and a short stroll in the park; it is a compact stop that pairs naturally with Daxiangguo Temple. Whether the interior can be climbed varies, so ask at the gate.
How to get to Iron Pagoda
Iron Pagoda Park is in the north-east of Kaifeng's old city, about 10 minutes by taxi from the centre; city buses also stop at the park. Kaifeng is about half an hour from Zhengzhou by intercity train.
Where to stay
Stay in Kaifeng's old city, near the Drum Tower and the night markets, so the pagoda and Daxiangguo Temple are a short ride away.
What to eat
- Soup-filled dumplings 灌汤包: Small steamed buns with hot broth inside, Kaifeng's best-known snack.
- Carp with fried noodles 糖醋软熘鲤鱼焙面: A Henan classic of Yellow River carp in sweet-and-sour sauce served with crisp fried noodles.
- Almond tea 杏仁茶: A thick, warm almond drink sold at Kaifeng's night markets.
Tips for visiting Iron Pagoda
- Not to be confused with the Yuquan Pagoda in Dangyang, Hubei, which really is cast iron; Kaifeng's is brick.
- Come early or late for softer light on the glazed bricks, which look best in side lighting.
- Bring your passport for ticket checks, and combine with Daxiangguo Temple for a Song-capital half-day.
Nearby
- Henan Museum 河南博物院 60 km
Zhengzhou's treasure house of Central Plains bronzes, jades and Neolithic finds
Also within 30 km: Henan University Historic Buildings 河南留学欧美预备学校旧址 (under 10 km), Dragon Pavilion 龙亭 (under 10 km), Former Residence of Liu Qingxia 刘青霞故居 (under 10 km), Tianbo Yang Mansion 天波杨府 (under 10 km), Wansui Mountain Wuxia City 万岁山武侠城 (under 10 km), China Hanyuan Stele Forest 中国翰园碑林 (under 10 km).
On the map
Open Iron Pagoda on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Iron Pagoda on the map