Twin
Pogoda Temple, also known as Yongzuo Temple, was originally constructed in 1608
during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). There are two 53-meter-tall pagodas standing
in the temple, hence the name "Twin Pagoda Temple".
The
two pagodas of the Twin Pagoda Temple are the symbol of Taiyuan. Each pagoda is
an octagon with 13 stories, almost 55 meters high. They are made entirely of bricks
and stone. The exterior was sculptured in the shape of an octagon and decorated
with the exquisite flying eaves.
All
buildings in Twin Pogoda Temple were constructed with gray bricks. A rare collection
of steles bearing the works of famed calligraphers from various dynasties including
Wang Xizhi (303-361), Yan Zhenqing (709-785), Liu Zongyuan (773-819), and Su Dongpo
(1037-1101) have been stored in the temple. In front of the main hall, cloves
and peony blossoms in the spring. These beautiful flowers are said to have been
planted during the Ming Dynasty.
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