Shuozhou Through the Eyes of Overseas Vloggers Season 3 | A Heritage in Wood, A Bridge to the World

On the morning of November 5, participants of the "Shuozhou Through the Eyes of Overseas Vloggers (Season 3)" event followed the millennia-old cultural context, successively visiting Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and Jingtu Temple. Amidst the ancient structures of brick and timber, they touched the profound texture of Chinese civilization. Within the Zen-infused courtyards, they experienced the unique architectural charm of the Liao and Jin Dynasty.

Overseas vloggers pose for a group photo in front of the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Photo by Zhang Yanbin

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, whose full name is the "Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple", was first built in the second year of the Qingning era of the Liao Dynasty (1056 AD). It is the oldest and tallest existing purely wooden pavilion-style architecture in China. Having weathered thousands of years of wind and rain, it still stands majestically. Its exquisite mortise-and-tenon craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage are truly remarkable, earning it the reputation as one of the world’s three great ancient pagodas. The participants paused in front of the pagoda, gazing upward at this thousand-year-old structure and marveling at the outstanding achievements of its architectural artistry. Kim Jaehyun from South Korea said, "Standing beneath Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, I felt the echoes of history; wandering in the streets and alleys of Shuozhou, I was embraced by the warmth of this city. This unforgettable cultural journey has left me with a deep sense of the immense depth and richness of Chinese civilization."

South Korean vlogger Kim Jaehyun (left) shares his reflections with peers

Photo by Zhang Yanbin

If the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda is a magnificent "epic of wooden architecture", Jingtu Temple is an elegant and timeless “painting of Zen serenity”. Adjacent to the wooden pagoda, this ancient temple carries the solemn dignity of Liao and Jin Dynasty architectural norms. Within its Main Hall, the caisson ceilings and celestial pavilions reveal the essence of "exquisite craftsmanship": intricate and layered carvings like flowing clouds or woven brocades, while the delicate grain of wooden components harmoniously complements the soft gradations of painted decorations. The overseas vloggers unconsciously slowed their pace, immersing themselves in the serene atmosphere to sense the temple’s historical depth and profound Zen-like tranquility.

During this visit, overseas vloggers gained insight into the charm of China's ancient architecture through the lens of craftsmanship. What's more, through their diverse perspectives, Shuozhou's cultural treasures have been brought to the world's attention. A city that blends the depth of ancient architectural heritage with modern vibrancy, Shuozhou is building a solid bridge for cultural exchanges between China and the world through craftsmanship. (By Tan Mengjing)