Iron Pagoda

Iron Pagoda
The Iron Pagoda of Kaifeng, China, built in 1049 during the Song dynasty, with articulated dougong and wind bells under the eaves
Location in Henan
Basic information
Geographic coordinates	34°49′00″N 114°21′54″E / 34.81667°N 114.36500°E / 34.81667; 114.36500Coordinates: 34°49′00″N 114°21′54″E / 34.81667°N 114.36500°E / 34.81667; 114.36500
Affiliation	Buddhism
Country	Kaifeng City, Henan province

The Iron Pagoda (Chinese: 鐵塔) of Youguo Temple (佑國寺), Kaifeng City, Henan province, is a Buddhist Chinese pagoda built in 1049 during the Song dynasty (960–1279) of China. The pagoda is so-named not because it is made of iron, but because its color resembles that of iron. It is a brick pagoda tower built on the location of a previous wooden one that had been burnt down by lightning fire in 1044. Along with the Liuhe, Lingxiao, Liaodi, Pizhi, and Beisi pagodas, it is seen as a masterpiece of Song dynasty architecture.

This octagonal-base structure stands at a current height of 56.88 meters (186.56 feet), with a total of 13 stories. It is a solid-core brick tower with an inner spiral stone staircase and outside openings to allow light and air flow. The architectural style features densely positioned, articulated dougong in the eaves (miyan) and multiple stories (louge). The exterior features more than fifty different varieties of glazed brick and 1,600 intricate and richly detailed carvings, including those of standing and sitting Buddha, standing monks, singers and flying dancers, flowers, lions, dragons and other legendary beasts as well as many fine engravings. Under the eaves are 104 bells that ring in the wind. The foundation rests in the silt of the Yellow River. Inside the Iron Pagoda are frescos of the classical Chinese tales, such as The Journey to the West.