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Fan Pagoda繁塔
Fan Pagoda stands in the southeastern outskirts of Kaifeng and is the city's oldest surviving building, begun in 976 during the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song. About 36 m tall, hexagonal and six stories, it takes its name from the Fan Terrace it was built on and remains important physical evidence for the study of Song architecture.
Kaifeng · Visitor Guide2026-10-19
Quick Answer
Is Fan Pagoda worth visiting?
Kaifeng's oldest surviving building, begun in 976 — a hexagonal six-story brick pagoda about 36 m tall and a treasure of Song architecture. Grounds free; the relics office charges CNY 10.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free (outdoor grounds); CNY 10 at the Fan Pagoda relics office |
|---|---|
| Hours | Grounds open all day; relics office 09:00-17:00 |
| Recommended duration | 30 minutes-1 hour |
| Best time to visit | Year-round; spring blossoms on the old Fan Terrace, crisp autumn days |
| How to get there | City buses to the Fanta stop; a taxi costs about CNY 20 |
| English signage | Partial |
| Wheelchair accessible | Partial |
| First built | Northern Song, Taiping Xingguo era (976 AD) |
| Height | About 36 m |
| Structure | Hexagonal six-story pavilion-style brick pagoda |
| Claim | Kaifeng's oldest surviving building |
| Name | Built on the Fan Terrace, hence Fan Pagoda |
| Damage | Top two tiers lost in modern times; six stories remain |
What to expect
Fan Pagoda is the oldest building standing in Kaifeng, begun in 976 in the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song — more than a thousand years ago. About 36 m tall, hexagonal and six stories, it is a pavilion-style brick pagoda in the classic Song architectural manner.
It originally rose nine stories; silting from repeated Yellow River floods has left six today. The tower's outer walls are set with dozens of different carved Buddha bricks, each figure distinct and finely worked — precious source material for the study of Song brick carving.
The Fan Terrace was once one of Kaifeng's celebrated scenic spots; every spring its blossoms made the Fan Terrace Spring scene, one of the Eight Views of Bianjing. Today the surroundings have given way to factories, and the pagoda stands alone in empty ground.
How to get there
City buses (route 12 among others) to the Fanta stop, or take a taxi — about 20 minutes from Kaifeng railway station. Drivers can park in the open ground by the pagoda.
Best photo spots
- The pagoda in full
- The Buddha bricks on the tower body
- The old steles at its base
- Fan Pagoda at sunset
Tips
- Off the beaten path with few visitors — a treat for history and architecture lovers
- The surroundings are scruffy; keep your wits about you
- Local elders nearby are happy to tell the pagoda's story
- Fit it into the same day as Kaifeng's other sights
Scams to avoid
- No notable scam risk, but the area is isolated — best visited with company
Frequently asked questions
Why does the pagoda have only six stories?
It began with nine; the top two tiers collapsed in an earthquake in the Kangxi era of the Qing and were later further damaged by lightning, leaving six stories at about 36 m.
Is it worth a special trip?
For lovers of ancient architecture and history, absolutely — it is a precious surviving piece of Song building. But brace yourself for the unkempt surroundings.
What is special about the Buddha bricks?
The exterior is set with dozens of different carved Buddha bricks, varied in pose and finely worked — key evidence for the study of Song brick carving. Take your time with them.
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Other things to do in Kaifeng
Kaifeng City Wall
One of China's best-preserved ancient city walls, running 14 km; the southeastern section is open for walks along the top.
Bao Zheng Temple
Memorial temple to Song-dynasty judge Bao Zheng in Kaifeng, first built in the Jin dynasty 800 years ago and rebuilt in 1984; entry 30 yuan, students 15 yuan, open 8:00-18:00.
Kaifeng Prefecture
Rebuilt in 2003 as a replica of the Northern Song's chief prefecture in Kaifeng, covering about 2.6 hectares; entry 65 yuan, students 35 yuan, open 08:00-18:30.
Longting Park
Qing-dynasty imperial garden on the site of the Northern Song palace in Kaifeng, its 30-metre hall of 1692 rising above 72 steps; entry 50 yuan, students 25 yuan, open 7:00-19:00.
Yanqing Temple
One of the three ancestral Quanzhen Taoist temples, founded around 1242 in Kaifeng; entry 30 yuan, students 15 yuan, open 08:00-18:00, its halls blending Taoist and Mongolian yurt styles.