Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, a regret if you don't visit, even more regret if you do

‼️‼️‼️Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, also known as Shakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, is located in Fogong Temple in Yingxian County, Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province. It was first built in the second year of Liao Qingning (1056) and is the tallest and oldest existing pure wooden structure pavilion-style building in the world. It is known as one of the 'Three Great Leaning Towers of the World' along with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The Shakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple is 67.31 meters high, with a base diameter of 30.27 meters and a total weight of more than 7,400 tons, using tens of thousands of cubic meters of wood. The pagoda has an octagonal shape, with five visible stories and six eaves, but it actually has nine stories with four hidden ones. The Shakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple holds significant importance in the history of existing wooden structures in the world. Even those who do not understand architecture will find it beautiful and awe-inspiring to stand at the base of the pagoda, looking up at the countless swallows flying around. 🌸🌸🌸This time, when we visited the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, it was already late afternoon and almost closing time, so we had a rushed visit, which was very regrettable. The pagoda can no longer be climbed; visitors can only tour the first floor. The statues and murals on the first floor are quite impressive and worth a detailed look. The Buddha statue on the first floor is 12 meters high, surrounded by seated Buddha paintings, with flying deities painted on both sides of the top. The images of the Four Heavenly Kings are painted on both sides of the north and south doors. The corridor of the south door features paintings of two door gods. Male and female donors are painted on the lintels of the north and south doors. The vivid postures and bright colors make these murals rare masterpieces. The Great Buddha's throne consists of a lotus seat and an octagonal Vajra Sumeru seat. There are three layers of lotus petals, each petal on the first layer painted with a delicate small Buddha. Each corner of the octagonal Vajra seat is sculpted with a strongman, and along with the strongmen, eight differently colored dragon columns support the lotus seat. These dragons mimic human actions, standing with hands on hips. Some of these statues have stern expressions, others are fierce and dynamic, each with a distinct personality, making them interesting to observe. The pagoda is now leaning, and it might not be open for viewing much longer. It's recommended that those who want to visit should go soon and allow enough time to avoid any regrets.