Xita Pagoda
The Xita Pagoda, also known as the "Western Pagoda of Shenyang," stands as one of the four iconic Buddhist stupas built in the 17th century to safeguard the Manchu homeland. Erected in 1640 during the reign of Emperor Huang Taiji of the Qing Dynasty, this octagonal, 26-meter-tall brick pagoda blends Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Manchu architectural styles. Today, it anchors the vibrant Xita District—a bustling Koreatown—and serves as a spiritual anchor for Buddhists, a cultural landmark, and a symbol of ethnic unity in Shenyang.
Historical Overview
The pagoda’s construction was part of a grand plan to protect Shenyang (then the Qing capital, Mukden) from calamities and invaders. Legend claims Emperor Huang Taiji dreamed of a divine serpent guarding the city, inspiring the pagoda’s serpent-like eaves. Over centuries, it weathered wars, revolutions, and urbanization:
1644: Survived the Qing conquest of Beijing, becoming a pilgrimage site for Manchu nobles.
1905: Damaged during the Russo-Japanese War but restored by local monks.
1949: Safeguarded during China’s Communist Revolution, with monks secretly preserving relics.
1985: Designated a National Key Cultural Relic, sparking renovations.
2000s: Emerged as the heart of Shenyang’s Koreatown, hosting festivals, markets, and interfaith dialogues.
Structural Layout
The pagoda’s design reflects Buddhist cosmology and Qing-era engineering:
Base (须弥座): A 5-meter-tall platform adorned with carvings of the Four Heavenly Kings and lotus motifs.
Body (塔身): Eight facades featuring niches with 16 life-sized gilded Buddha statues (originally 32; some stolen in the 1930s).
Eaves (塔檐): 13 tiers of curved green-glazed tiles, symbolizing the 13 Buddhist heavens.
Spire (塔刹): A gilded finial crowned with a crescent moon and sun (a rare Qing-era fusion of Buddhism and Manchu shamanism).
Surrounding Complex:Dabei Temple (大悲寺): A 19th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery hosting daily chants.
Bell and Drum Towers: Used to mark time for monks’ rituals.
Cultural Square: A public space for Korean folk dances, lantern festivals, and Taekwondo demonstrations.
Major Attractions
Base Reliefs: Intricate carvings of the "Eight Auspicious Symbols" and Manchu warriors subduing demons.
Buddha Statues: Restored 17th-century Amitabha figures with inlaid semiprecious stones.
Underground Relic Chamber: Discovered in 1985, containing a 2-meter-tall copper Buddha, silk sutras, and a jade seal of Emperor Kangxi.
Pavilion of the Four Directions: A modern structure housing relics from Japan’s 1930s excavation attempts (now displayed with context on colonial looting).
Korean Cultural Museum: Adjacent to the pagoda, showcasing hanbok (traditional dress), hanji (paper crafts), and a replica of a ondol (underfloor heating system).
Night Market: A foodie haven offering bibimbap, mandu (dumplings), and soju under the pagoda’s lit eaves.
Interfaith Garden: A tranquil space where Buddhist monks, Korean Christian choirs, and Manchu shamans co-host seasonal ceremonies.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (2–3 Hours):
Base Reliefs → Buddha Statues → Dabei Temple → Korean Cultural Museum → Night Market Snack Tour
Highlights: Religious art, cultural fusion, and street food.
Extended Route (4–5 Hours):
Add: Underground Relic Chamber, Pavilion of the Four Directions, and a 1-hour guided meditation at Dabei Temple.
Highlights: Archaeological treasures and spiritual immersion.
Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
Include all sites, plus a Korean cooking class, a Taekwondo workshop, and a evening noraebang (karaoke) session in Xita District.
Highlights: Deep dive into Korean-Manchu-Han heritage.
Ticket Purchase
General Admission: ¥30 (peak season: Apr–Oct), ¥20 (off-season: Nov–Mar).
Combined Ticket (Pagoda + Museum): ¥50.
Concessions: ¥15 (students/seniors), free for children under 1.2m and military personnel.
Online Booking: Via Ctrip or Meituan (24-hour advance booking recommended for weekends).
Group Discounts: ¥25/person for groups of 10+.
Transportation
Subway: Line 4 to Xita Station (Exit A), 2-minute walk.
Bus: Routes 111, 123, 129, or 252 to Xita Pagoda Stop.
Taxi: Direct to the pagoda entrance (¥15 from Shenyang Railway Station).
Parking: Free for 2 hours in the adjacent municipal lot.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Season: April–May (cherry blossoms) and September–October (cool weather, harvest festivals).
Avoid: Mid-July–August (heatwaves) and Chinese New Year (overcrowded with locals).
Essentials:
Bring a shawl for temple visits (shoulders covered).
Cash for street vendors (many older merchants don’t accept mobile payments).
Photography allowed (no flash in temples; ask permission before photographing monks).
Prohibited: Littering, smoking, and drones.
