Iron Pagoda

The Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta) is a 11th-century pagoda in Kaifeng, Henan province, China, noted for its glazed-brick construction and ornate exterior decoration. It was completed in 1049 during the Northern Song dynasty and stands as an important surviving example of Song-era brick pagoda architecture.

The octagonal tower displays intricate glazed tiles and carved panels on every face, with figurative and floral motifs preserved across multiple storeys. Visitors view the exterior ornamentation and the pagoda’s tiered silhouette; the structure rises prominently above its immediate temple precinct.

Constructed in 1049 to replace a wooden pagoda that had burned, the Iron Pagoda was built of glazed bricks and has survived floods, earthquakes and later repairs. It has been maintained as a historic monument since the Song period and is one of Kaifeng’s best-known medieval landmarks.

The pagoda is located in Kaifeng, Henan province, in east-central China, within the historic urban area of the city and close to other Song-dynasty sites.

• Construction date: Built in 1049 during the Northern Song dynasty, the pagoda replaced an earlier wooden structure and survives as a major Song-era monument.

What to See #

• Glazed-brick tower: The octagonal tower is built of glazed and carved brick, with decorative panels depicting Buddhas, animals and floral motifs across its exterior faces.
• Relief panels and tiles: A series of carved reliefs and ceramic tiles cover the exterior and base, surviving from the Song dynasty construction campaign.