Iron Pagoda

Iron Pagoda
The Iron Pagoda of Kaifeng, China, built in 1049
Religion
AffiliationHan Chinese Buddhism
Location
CountryKaifeng City, Henan province
Iron Pagoda is located in Henan
Iron Pagoda
Location in Henan
Geographic coordinates34°49′00″N 114°21′54″E / 34.81667°N 114.36500°E / 34.81667; 114.36500
Architecture
Completed17 June 1049; 975 years ago (1049-06-17)

The Iron Pagoda (Chinese: 鐵塔) of Youguo Temple (佑國寺), Kaifeng City, Henan province, is a Chinese pagoda built in 1049. The pagoda is so-named not because it is made of iron, but because its color resembles that of iron. It is a brick pagoda tower built on the location of a previous wooden one that had been burnt down by lightning fire in 1044. Along with the Liuhe, Lingxiao, Liaodi, Pizhi, and Beisi pagodas, it is seen as a masterpiece of Song dynasty architecture.