Tianning Pagoda, located at the northern end of Tianning Temple, was completed in 2007 and is one of the landmarks of Changzhou. The pagoda features an underground palace and thirteen above-ground levels, with a golden pinnacle in the shape of a Vajra throne. Each level of the pagoda displays different Buddhist treasures according to various themes, making it akin to a Buddhist museum.
There is an elevator inside the Tianning Pagoda that can reach the 12th floor. It is recommended to ride the elevator to the 12th floor, then walk up to the top and visit each level on the way down. All the large pillars, railings, ceilings, stairs, handrails, and thresholds inside the pagoda are made of nanmu wood, and the displayed Buddha statues, totems, and root carvings are all exquisite.
The fifth level houses the Dharma Realm Source Hall, carved from several tons of agarwood, the twelfth level is home to the Ancient Buddha Hall, which enshrines precious camphor wood Buddhas from previous dynasties, and the thirteenth level features the Ten Square Harmony Hall, which enshrines the ‘treasure of the pagoda’—a natural crystal Buddha. All these are must-see attractions.
At the top of the pagoda, there is a large bell weighing 15 tons and standing 118 meters high. Ringing the bell requires an additional fee. Tianning Pagoda is also an excellent spot for sightseeing, offering panoramic views of Changzhou city, Tianning Temple, and Hongmei Park.
The opening hours are from 08:30 to 17:00 all year round. Preferential policies include: Children aged 6 (inclusive) or under 1.4 meters (inclusive) are free (with adult accompaniment); minors aged 6 to 18 (inclusive) enjoy half-price; seniors aged 60 (inclusive) and above are free with their ID or senior citizen card; full-time university undergraduates and below enjoy half-price with a valid student ID; and people with disabilities are free with a valid disability certificate. Active-duty military personnel enjoy half-price with an officer’s ID.
Additional note: During significant Buddhist events or Dharma assemblies, the above groups do not enjoy preferential policies. The information provided is for reference only. Please refer to the information disclosed by Changzhou Tianning Temple on the day of your visit for specifics.
