Chengtiansi Pagoda

Chengtiansi Pagoda (the ''Western Pagoda'') is located in Yinchuan's Chengtian Temple (Chengtian Si) and is known to be the tallest ancient brick pagoda in the region, dating back to 1050. However, the structure currently standing on the site only dates back as far as 1820, when it was rebuilt in its original Western Xia Dynasty style after an earthquake nearly destroyed it in 1738. Apparently built as a tribute to the child King Li Lianzuo, it took over 6 years to build and became a favorite spot for the young ruler and his retinue to listen to sermons. 

According to the historical record, Buddhism prevailed for a time during the Western Xia Dynasty period. After the death of Li Yuanhao, the founding emperor of Western Xia, the empress dowager conscripted tens of thousands of solders in 1050 for the construction of the Chengtian Temple and a pagoda of the same name as her wish for the longevity of Li Liangzuo, his son, only one-year-old then, had just been enthroned。

This pagoda is located in a beautiful garden. A number of small iron bells were hanged on corners of the pagoda. Via a wooden stairway, people can walk up to the top, where a panoramic view of the city is available through the windows. Today, the Museum of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is situated in the temple together with the pagoda.

With a total height of 64.5 meters (some 211 feet), Chengtiansi Pagoda is half a meter (about 1.6 feet) higher than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian. It is an octagonal structure with 11 wooden floors. The small iron bells hanging on the corners of the Pagoda ring in the soft winds. The sweet bells will inspire your imagination. Through a wooden stairway, people can access to the top of the Pagoda, where looking out of the window, they can perceive a fine view of the ancient city of Yinchuan.

Chengtiansi Pagoda has been well preserved and become one of key protected cultural relic sites. In addition, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum is located in the Temple. It mainly displays rare cultural relics of the Western Xia Dynasty and Ningxia, and has now become one of the most important places to visit for both sightseeing and recreational purposes.

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