In the city of Lu’an, two ancient pagodas stand tall, one to the north and one to the south, symbolizing the ancient city. They are commonly referred to as the South and North Gate Pencil Towers. The South Gate Pencil Tower, located on the west side of South Street within the old Guanyin Temple, is also known as the Guanyin Temple Pagoda. The North Gate Pencil Tower is situated on the east side of Beiwai Street within the old Duo Bao An Temple, also known as the Duo Bao An Pagoda.
The Guanyin Temple Pagoda features nine levels with a remaining height of 27 meters, characterized by a hexagonal, hollow tower made of brick and stone with a pavilion-style structure. The base of each side measures 3.9 meters wide and 4.3 meters high. Each level above contracts proportionally to form a conical shape. The pagoda faces south, with a high 1.5 meters and wide 0.85 meters round-arched pagoda door at the base. Next to the pagoda door, there is a stele from the eighth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1585) which records the repair of the pagoda door. Entering the pagoda door leads to a square floor with each side measuring 1.5 meters, and a dome-topped pagoda chamber where the original Buddhist niche has long been destroyed. The decorative brackets, false doors, and flower windows on each level of the pagoda body are exquisitely and vividly sculpted in brick.
The Duo Bao An Pagoda is a hexagonal, hollow tower with a pavilion-style structure made of large bricks. Originally consisting of nine levels, seven levels remain with a remaining height of 21.6 meters. The base of each side is 4.4 meters wide and 3.9 meters high. Each level above narrows in width and height to form a conical shape. Open all year round from 8:00 to 18:00. Must-see tip: Duo Bao An Pagoda is located on Bei Da Street in the urban area of Lu’an City.
Lu’an Twin Pagodas
In the city of Lu’an, two ancient pagodas stand tall, one to the north and one to the south, s[...]
