...the next day we were back on the loaded bikes - our next destination was Yingxian to see the Wooden Pagoda.

Another day of riding into the wind. We had to take frequent breaks - I was obviously not riding hard enough and enjoying myself far too much because, I could still manage to smile :-)


After checking into the hotel and a little rest we went back out to see the sight. This is the street that the pagoda is located on.


The pagoda devoted to Sakyamuni Buddha was built in the eleventh century and got it's name because it is entirely built of timber.


Lokpalas are guardians of the temple and are the first thing that you encounter when you enter the complex.


They look pretty menacing and have the potential to ward off visitors as well as evil spirits! Luckily we were fast enough to not get trampled... :-)



I loved the rounded entrances to other courtyards.

There was also a drum tower and bell tower.


Inside the pagoda there are nine tiers although only five are visible from outside.


The statue of Sakyamuni on the ground floor is about ten metres tall!


We climbed the dark stairs to some of the other tiers.


The temple is so well built that it has survived many earthquakes.



There are more statues of Buddha and his disciples on the floors higher up.


I felt as though I was onboard a creaky wooden ship, it was absolutely amazing :-)


Looking out to Yingxian from the pagoda's balconies.


We are off to meet an English teacher for dinner now - hopefully we shall get some more photos up later. So until next time... :-)