Beisi Pagoda (North Temple Pagoda), Suzhou

The Beisi Pagoda, also known as the North Temple Pagoda, is one of Suzhou’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks, offering a direct link to the city’s long tradition of Buddhist architecture. Its origins trace back more than 1,700 years, with the earliest structures on the site dating to the Three Kingdoms period. The current brick-and-wood tower largely reflects reconstructions from the Ming and Qing dynasties, yet its form preserves the layered history of the temple complex that once surrounded it. Rising with nine elegant storeys, the pagoda became a key reference point in Suzhou’s skyline and a symbol associated with the city’s religious and cultural life. Its longevity is closely tied to Suzhou’s broader heritage, where classical gardens, canals, and temples shaped an urban landscape rooted in balance and refinement.

Visitors approaching the pagoda will notice its octagonal base and tiered eaves, a design that combines structural stability with visual rhythm. Each level narrows as it ascends, creating a sense of lightness despite the building’s height. Inside, stairways lead upward through the interior, offering opportunities to observe the craftsmanship of the wooden supports and brick walls. Reaching the upper floors provides expansive views over Suzhou, where traditional rooftops blend with modern districts and waterways extend toward the horizon. The site stands within a peaceful temple courtyard, allowing travellers to pause in a quieter part of the city and appreciate both the architectural legacy and the atmosphere of continuity that surrounds it.