Tie Ta (Iron Pagoda)

Description:

• Kaifeng's most famous landmark is located in the northeast corner of town. This beautiful 11th-century pagoda is actually a brick structure whose facade of glazed brown tiles gives the impression of cast iron. Originally built in 1049, the building has survived earthquakes, fires, and the great flood of 1642, which buried the base under several meters of silt. The 13-story, 55m-tall (180-ft.) octagonal structure has brick panels featuring exquisite designs of apsarases, qilin (Chinese unicorns), dragons, and flowers. For another ¥10 ($1.25/60p), you can climb the 168 steps to the top, though the experience can be a bit claustrophobic.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010