Travel back to Tang Dynasty with Hebei's ancient architecture

Blessed with a rich culture and profound history, Hebei province in North China has many tangible cultural heritage items, including precious ancient architecture dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), one of the most magnificent dynasties in Chinese history due to its politics, economy, culture, and diplomacy.

Built in the later period of Tang Dynasty, Belfry in Kaiyuan Temple is one of China's only existing wood structures from the Tang dynasty. Although Kaiyuan Temple and the upper part of the belfry have been restored, the ancient building style remains in the lower part of the belfry, especially its stylobates, bracket sets, and bended beams.

Kaiyang Fort features three relatively intact Yuhuang Pavilions (or "Jade Emperor Pavilions") above the fort. Experts have said that the carvings inside the pavilions are rarely seen in ancient Chinese architecture. The last time the pavilions were rebuilt was during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Reflecting the Chinese nation's wisdom, the quiet and desolate fort recalls memories of the northern frontier.

Xingguo Temple Tower was established in a turbulent period after the death of Empress Wu Zetian, under whose leadership ancient China experienced unprecedented affluence and stability.

Xingguo Temple eventually collapsed for unknown reasons, while the tower inside survived. It was rated a provincial cultural relic site in 1993, and a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council in 2006.