The Sea Treasure Pagoda (Haibao ta), also known as the North Pagoda (Bei ta), is located a short walk from the old sector (Laocheng) of the city. The temple was originally built in the 5th century, although it was toppled by an earthquake in 1739 and rebuilt in its original style in 1771. The temple and pagoda are of the most famous in Ningxia, and as such will be crowded on the first and fifteenth day of the Chinese Lunar calendar month.
The pagoda itself is part of a temple complex that lies to the north of Yinchuan. Along the temple’s main axis lie the Hall of the Big Buddha (Dafo dian), the Hall of Weituo (Weituo dian) and the Hall of the Reclining Buddha (Wofo dian). The pagoda lies between the first and second of these halls.
The rectangular pagoda is built entirely of bricks and is 11 floors and 54 meters high. Despite the lack of intricacy on the pagoda, it has an elegant charm, with astutely placed ledges and niches that give the tower the appearance that it has many more than its simple four sides. The architecture here is the best in the city.
From the top of the pagoda visitors are given fine views southwards, across the town to the winding Yellow River (Huang he) beyond, and eastwards, towards the Helan Mountain ranges.
How to get there: Head north along Laocheng’s Jinning jie (that intersects Jiefang xijie), with the pagoda visible in the distance. It will take you about three quarters of an hour.
Opening Hours: Daily, 08:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00.
Cost: RMB2 temple entrance fee, RMB7 to climb the pagoda.
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