Tianfeng Pagoda, Buddhist pagoda in central Ningbo, China
Tianfeng Pagoda is a hexagonal tower in Ningbo's old city featuring seven visible stories that rise approximately 51 meters high. The structure displays typical Song Dynasty architecture with stone columns, arched windows, and decorative details visible at each level.
Tianfeng Pagoda was first built in 695–696, during the Wu Zhou period, 126 years before Ningbo (Mingzhou) was founded at the confluence of the three rivers. It stood inside Tianfeng Temple, which no longer exists. Jin troops burned pagoda and temple in 1130; it was rebuilt in 1144, collapsed again in 1324, and was repaired in 1330, 1412 and 1559. A fire during repairs in 1798 left only the brick core, rebuilt in 1935 and again in 1984.
A local rhyme, "Tianfeng Pagoda, Eighteen Compartments," counts seven visible and seven hidden storeys plus the underground palace. It also says the tower was built by piling sand, which is why the nearby streets are named Dasha Ni and Xiaosha Ni (Big and Little Sand-Mud).
The pagoda is located in an accessible part of the old city with good connections to public transport. Wear comfortable shoes since the pathways in the historic quarter can be uneven and climbing through the interior levels requires some effort.
The 1984 restoration included archaeological excavation that identified the Song dynasty foundation and brought out a large number of artefacts. The rebuilt pagoda was completed in December 1989, and the site had been listed as a Ningbo municipal cultural relic in May 1961.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,032 contributors worldwide.