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Iron Pagoda Park

Erected strikingly in the Iron Pagoda Park, the Iron Pagoda in northeast of Kaifeng in Henan Province has attracted renown as the best pagoda in China for its superb construction and elegance. Built in 1094 in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the pagoda is the most eye-catching element of the park....

Erected strikingly in the Iron Pagoda Park, the Iron Pagoda in northeast of Kaifeng in Henan Province has attracted renown as the best pagoda in China for its superb construction and elegance. Built in 1094 in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the pagoda is the most eye-catching element of the park.

From the name one might assume that the pagoda was made of iron. In fact it is built completely of glazed bricks. However, from a distance the pagoda appears to be made of iron due to the color of the bricks.

The thirteen-layered, octagonal pagoda is over 55 meters (180.4 feet) high. The unique construction uses bricks but follows a design of wooden pagodas. Apertures, tenons, gouges and slots on the bricks are assured different parts to be joined securely. These firm joints have enabled the pagoda to survive earthquakes, flood and destructive human efforts for over 900 years.

The glazed-bricks on the surface layer are exquisitely engraved. More than 50 distinct patterns are used, such as figures of Buddha and Bodhisattva, different flowers, and lions and kylins, to name just a few. Each pattern is of a high artistic standard show excellent craftsmanship. The steps of the brick stair spiral to the top from where you can enjoy a view of the whole city.

This pagoda has intrigued visitors from home and overseas for a long time. It was placed on the list of major historic and cultural sites under state protection in 1961.

Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area

Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area is located at the deep mountains 25 kilometers north of Jiaozuo city, Henan Province with an area of about 108 square kilometers. With unique climate, green hills and limpid waters, a...

Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area is located at the deep mountains 25 kilometers north of Jiaozuo city, Henan Province with an area of about 108 square kilometers. With unique climate, green hills and limpid waters, and exquisite scenery, it is human being’s “Oxygen-bar” bestowed by nature. It is the best destination for primitive ecological traveling.

Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area consists of many landforms, such as, peak, cliff, ridge, summit, gorge, ravine, river, waterfall, and cave, etc. The nature’s superb craftsmanship has been thoroughly revealed here. The highest peak, Qinglong Peak, has an altitude of 1,323 meters. When you stand on the peak, you will sigh with the emotion that “Looking around, the world is so small” Both Qinglong Gorge and Jingying Gorge in this scenic area have salient features and are rather enchanting. Qinglong Gorge is about 7.5 kilometers long. With various shapes of ponds and limpid waters, it gains the reputation as “100- Pond-Gorge”. Jingying Gorge is 22 kilometers long. The current of it is slow and placid; the water is so clear that you can see the bottom; the mountains in the gorge are delicate and attractive. Besides, it has a distinctive view, that is, limestone cave. There are more than 20 caves of different sizes like Qinglong Cave, Huanglong Cave, Liangqinjia Cave, Sanguan Cave, etc. These limestone caves are of peculiar landforms and different shapes. Thus makes people express wonder and their appreciation when visit it.