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Twin Pagoda Temple

Twin Pagoda Temple (Shuangta si), also known as Yongzuo Temple, was originally constructed in 1608 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The temple was ordered to be built by the emperor, who charged a loyal subject, the monk Fu Deng, to build it. Whereas usually the raising of funds would be approached either through entreaties to the emperor or through a number of public channels, the wily monk was able to have the Twin Pagodas almost solely funded by one affluent local businessman.

 
The complex, standing on the slope of a mountain, is designed so that each of its buildings fit well with the ascending landscape.
 
The Twin Pagodas are the highlight of the temple. They were built between 1573 and 1619 during the reign of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty. The twin pagodas were officially named Wenxuan Pagodas. Though they are Buddhist pagodas, they have assumed the characteristics of wenfeng pagodas, functioning as a symbol of the city and adding beauty to the landscape.
　　
Both pagodas are octagonal, brick, 54.7 meters high, with thirteen storeys. They were built like wooden structures, yet the exterior brackets, rafters and eaves are all made of carved brick. The eaves are decorated with glazed tiles in the shape of different animals in bright colors. Spiral staircases have been installed inside the pagodas for tourists to ascend to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Taiyuan.
 
Most of the other buildings in the temple are made with gray bricks, which have proved useful in saving them from the destructive fires that have destroyed many of this type of temple in the past. Of these gray buildings, the most worthy of a look in is one on the eastern side of the temple, which contains a rare collection of steles bearing the works of famed calligraphers from various dynasties.

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