East Tower and West Tower in Quanzhou

The East Tower and West Tower of Quanzhou are also known as the Zhenguo Tower（镇国塔）and the Renshou Tower（仁寿塔）, Dongxi Towers（东西塔）, Twin Towers, and they are the tallest and largest pair of stone towers in China. They are located in the Kaiyuan Temple in the west street of Quanzhou city. The Kaiyuan Temple was built in the Tang Dynasty, and it has a history of more than 1300 years. The temple covers an area of more than 78,000 square meters, and it is famous for its magnificent and majestic buildings, such as the main hall, the Jielu altar, the sutra library, and the East and West Towers. The towers are renowned for their ancient and exquisite architectural art and their unique charm.

The twin towers on both sides of the Kaiyuan Temple are the East Tower, which is 48.27 meters high, and the West Tower, which is 45.06 meters high. They are the tallest and largest pair of stone towers in China. The East Tower was built in the sixth year of Xiantong in the Tang Dynasty (865 AD), and the West Tower was built in the second year of Zhenming in the Later Liang Dynasty (916 AD). The Towers have survived the wind and rain, the earthquake and the shaking, and they still stand tall, showing the high achievements of the stone construction and stone carving art of Quanzhou in the Song Dynasty. They are the treasures of ancient stone architecture in China.

5 places to enjoy the view of East and West Towers

There are many ways to enjoy the East and West Towers, whether you look up, overlook, or observe them closely. You can always see different beauty in different weather and climate. Next, let's take a look at some of the best places to watch the Towers besides visiting them in the Kaiyuan Temple.

Nian Shi Ancient Residence（粘氏古民居） 
Located at No. 7-1, Taikui Lane, Nian Shi Ancient Residence is a Ming Dynasty ancient building. It is one of the most intact ancient residences in Quanzhou city, and it has a typical southern Fujian style. It consists of two courtyards, the front one is the living room, and the back one is the bedroom. There is a coffee shop in the ancient residence, and you can see the East Tower in the courtyard.

West Street Tourist Service Center

West Street Tourist Service Center is a modern building that provides various convenient services for tourists on the west side of the Kaiyuan Temple. It is like a miniature ancient city exhibition hall, where you can buy cultural and creative tourism products, and there are also regular exhibitions and some convenient services on the second floor. The third floor is an open viewing terrace, where you can see the red brick ancient houses, the East and West Towers close at hand, and the spiral staircase well. It is a good place to take pictures. You can also watch the sunset, drink tea, and enjoy the leisure time here.

Xiangfeng Lane（象峰巷）
Xiangfeng Lane has a great view of the East Tower. It is located on the south side of the Kaiyuan Temple, and it is an old stone street, with some traditional shops and residences on both sides. In front of the Ziyun Screen（紫云屏） in Xiangfeng Lane, there is a crowded West Street, and behind the screen, there is a quiet ancient alley. The low and scattered houses contrast with the high towers in the distance, creating a rare and excellent perspective. From the entrance of the lane, you can see the East Tower with a clear and transparent view, and the buildings with a rich southern Fujian flavor.

Dingxin Tower （定心塔）
Located in the Jingting Lane（井亭巷） on the south side of the Kaiyuan Temple, it is an octagonal brick and stone tower, about 20 meters high, with five floors. The third floor of the residence where the Dingxin Tower is located has a small terrace that overlooks the beauty of the ancient city and can see the East and West Towers. It is especially beautiful at sunset.

Baishui Haoxi: 
Baishui Haoxi is a modern tea room located at No. 2, Pei Lane, Kaiyuan Street. The top floor of the tea room has a window facing the East and West Towers, and the scenery is in full view. Especially the Qingping Tea Room on the third floor, which has the most beautiful corner balcony on West Street, where you can see the panoramic view of the East and West Towers and West Street.

How to get there: Take bus 2, 40, 602, etc. to Kaiyuan Temple Station, and then walk there.