Twin Pagodas at Baisikou, Ancient Buddhist pagodas in Helan County, China
The Twin Pagodas at Baisikou are two brick towers standing on a sloping mountain plateau with noticeably different heights. The eastern structure measures around 39 meters while the western one reaches about 41 meters, and both display carved decorative elements such as animal head ornaments beneath their roof edges.
These towers were built during the Western Xia Dynasty, a ruling period lasting from 1038 to 1227 that shaped life in this mountain region. They rank among the oldest surviving structures from that era in China and reflect the strong Buddhist influence present in the area during that time.
Sanskrit and Tangut script inscriptions visible on the walls show how Buddhist believers and traveling merchants exchanged ideas during the Western Xia era. You can still see these texts today and sense the connection between different peoples who gathered at this sacred place.
The location sits on hilly terrain with steep slopes, so wear comfortable hiking shoes and allow enough time to explore the site thoroughly. The best time to visit is outside peak summer months when temperatures are more comfortable and the paths are easier to navigate.
The eastern tower features carved animal head ornaments beneath each roof edge, with colored rope decorations extending outward in distinctive patterns. This level of detail is rarely seen and makes this structure a special example of the skilled craftsmanship practiced by builders during that period.
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