Memorial Temple of Lord Bao & Iron Pagoda

The statue of Lord Bao More Pictures

Lord Bao was an exemplary official during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). He fought courageously and unyieldingly against corrupt officials and protected ordinary people from being exploited. He really made a great contribution to his people, so the people in Kaifeng established the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao to commemorate him and his good deeds.

Unfortunately, the original temple was flooded by the Yellow River. The current Memorial Temple of Lord Bao is situated on the west bank of a beautiful lake named Lord Bao Lake. Reconstructed on its original site, it is designed in the architectural style and colored patterns of the Northern Song Dynasty. The temple includes Dadian Palace, Erdian Palace, and some other buildings.

Dadian Palace contains a sitting figure of Lord Bao in the center. This figure, over three meters (approximately 10 feet) tall, wears official robes and solemnly sits up straight in his chair. On the figure's two sides some calixes, bowls, wooden buckets, an ink slab, and some other artifacts are displayed, which were unearthed from Lord Bao's tomb. On the wall, you can see colored murals with dragon and phoenix patterns around the fringe to demonstrate Lord Bao's achievements in his post.

Erdian Palace holds a rubbing with the image of Lord Bao. It really gives people a clearer idea of Lord Bao, his appearance, and his temperament.

Other buildings tell the legendary stories of Lord Bao. On the east side of Dadian Palace are three big copper cutters, namely, Dragon Head Cutter, Tiger Head Cutter and Dog Head Cutter. These cutters were once used to punish corrupt officials and ordinary scoundrels.

Tips: You can get to the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao by bus No.8, 10, 16 or 20 from the Kaifeng Railway Station.

The entrance of the memorial temple

The waxwork of Lord Bao

 

Admission Fee:	CNY 20
Opening Hours:	08:00 to 17:30
Recommended Time for a Visit:	Half an hour
Bus Route:	20...

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.

Kaifeng Iron Pagoda

More Pictures

Inside the pagoda

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.

Admission Fee:	CNY 50
Opening Hours:	08:10 to 17:30
Recommended Time for a Visit:	Half an hour
Bus Route:	1, 3, 6, 20...