Wooden Pagoda Temple

Wooden Pagoda Temple in Zhangye, Gansu Province was built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-588 A.D), and then renovated several times during the Sui (581-618A.D.), Tang (618-907 A.D.), Ming (1368-1644 A.D.) and Qing (1644-1911 A.D.) dynasties. The present 32.8m-tall pagoda was rebuilt in 1926. It is considered to be one of the most harmonious pagodas in China for its careful carpentry, exquisite blacksmith work and delicate painting.

Wooden Pagoda is a special octagon shaped construction with nine-storey. The storeys taper gradually from the bottom. On each storey, there are eight dragonhead woodcarvings with a bead in their mouth and a wind-bell below the neck. The entire structure is made of wood with eaves formed into pavilion style structure. Within the pagoda, each floor has doors, cloisters, engraved windows and lintels, which were engraved with intricate Chinese traditional patterns. Further more, the doors and windows on different storey are on different side. The pagoda is unique for its no nail and no rivet within. From the top storey of the pagoda, you'll get a panoramic view of the whole city.

Nowadays, Zhangye Folk Customs Museum is built in the Wooden Pagoda Temple. So it is also displaying the town folk's customs apart from having historical architecture.