Xita (West Pagoda)

The West Pagoda (西塔 | 서탑) is one of four Tibetan-style Buddhist stupas representing each cardinal direction in the city of Shenyang, China. The pagoda is located in Shenyang’s Xita neighborhood, which derives its names from the pagoda.

Xita History

Constructed between 1640-42 on the order of Hong Taiji, the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty, each pagoda was associated with an accompanying temple (瀋陽四塔四寺). The temple at West Pagoda is called Yanshou Temple (延寿寺).

By the 1930’s the West Pagoda had fallen into disrepair and described in one contemporary Japanese postcard as “The wretched ruin of the West Tower” and the area was already known as Shenyang’s Koreatown.

In 1968, the West Pagoda was removed and a statue of the Buddha was found inside. The pagoda and temple were restored in 1998.

Visiting Xita

The West Pagoda and Yanshou Temple are located a short walk from Xita Street at the heart of Koreatown, next to the elevated highway.

Drop by the pagoda (no entrance fee!) for a bit of history before taking your pick of North Korean, South Korean, or Korean-Chinese restaurants. Nearby is also a Korean Department Store, Korean Market, and a former Russian Orthodox church.

Shenyang, capital of Liaoning Province in northeast China, is a potential starting point for Koryo Tours’ custom private tours of North Korea. There are two Air Koryo flights a week（Wednesdays and Saturdays) between Shenyang and Pyongyang. Shenyang is also a stop on the Pyongyang-Beijing railway. The city has a diverse mix of Manchu, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Islamic heritage.

Also, check out the Velaslavasay Panorama and their work to bring the Shengjing Panorama (盛景全景图) to Los Angeles. The Shengjing Panorama is a 360-degree painting showing Shenyang between 1910-30, The art of the panorama is alive at the Velaslavasay Panorama in Los Angeles and the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum in Pyongyang!