Songyue Pagoda

Photo

by Gary Todd

/ CC0

Songyue Pagoda, located in Dengfeng, China, is one of the oldest extant brick pagodas in the country. Built during the Northern Wei Dynasty around 523 AD, this unique 12-sided structure stands as a testament to early Chinese Buddhist architecture. Unlike the more common square or octagonal pagodas, its circular design showcases an innovative approach to construction. The pagoda, nestled in the Songshan Mountains, is part of the historic architectural complex that includes the renowned Shaolin Temple.

Also check out

Longmen Grottoes

Shaolin Monastery

White Horse Temple

Henan Museum

Zhongyuan Tower

Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory