An ancient pagoda stands as a landmark of a city, a vital component of ancient Chinese architectural art, and a cherished cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. Xicheng District, the place where Beijing's urban development began, boasts several renowned ancient pagodas. With the passage of time, these ancient pagodas continue to exude their unique cultural charm. During Xicheng's History and Records Promotion Month, the District's History and Records Office has launched a series of short videos titled "West City Ancient Pagodas" to support the construction of the national cultural center and the overall preservation of the old city.

Rich in Musical Rhythms

The poem "Pagoda Lights" describes the scene of the Tianning Temple's pagoda lotus lamps burning and wind chimes ringing: "Three hundred and sixty lamps lit, making the Tianning Tower beyond the clouds the best place; Three thousand and four hundred chimes in the wind, lamenting the lack of steps to ascend to the blue skies." Renowned architect Liang Sicheng once praised the Tianning Temple pagoda as "rich in musical rhythms, a masterpiece of ancient architectural design." In 1988, the Pagoda of Tianning Temple was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit. After several renovations, the appearance of the temple and ancient pagoda has been rejuvenated. Today, the Pagoda of Tianning Temple faces the chimneys in the Tianning No. 1 Cultural and Technological Innovation Park, where the historical shadows and reality intertwine, bearing witness to Beijing's historical changes and development.

Translator: WANG Yixin

Reviewer: LI Xiaochun