Name: Iron Pagoda: A millennium-old masterpiece in Kaifeng
Uploaded: 2026-04-23T18:21:50+08:00
Duration: 40 s
Description: Although known as the Iron Pagoda, the pagoda of Youguo Temple in Kaifeng, Henan Province is actually not made of iron.

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00:40

Although known as the Iron Pagoda, the pagoda of Youguo Temple in Kaifeng, Henan Province is actually not made of iron. Built nearly 1,000 years ago during the Northern Song Dynasty, the octagonal tower is constructed from glazed bricks, whose overall brownish tone gives the pagoda an iron-like appearance.

A close-up reveals the details of the Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng, Henan Province. /CGTN

Rising 55.08 meters with 13 stories, it is the tallest, oldest and best-preserved glazed brick pagoda in China. Its elegant structure is enhanced by richly decorated exterior walls, featuring more than 50 intricate motifs, including flying apsaras, mythical creatures and musical performers.

A view of the Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng, Henan Province. /CGTN

Having withstood wars, floods, earthquakes and other disasters for almost a millennium, the pagoda still stands firm today, embodying remarkable historical, architectural and artistic significance.

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