Plan at a glance
A historic pagoda in central Dingzhou
Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda stands on Zhongshan Middle Road in Dingzhou, a separate city from Baoding's old town. It is a convenient stop when visiting central Dingzhou. From Baoding's old town, travel to Dingzhou first, then continue to the pagoda and, if you wish, Dingzhou Museum.
Allow about 30 minutes for the pagoda base, the areas open that day, and the plaza. A visit combined with Dingzhou Museum takes about 2–3 hours, including roughly 1–2 hours in the museum. The museum has separate tickets, reservation requirements, and opening hours.
Admission, hours, and access to the pagoda
The reference admission price is CNY 30; students pay half price. The upper levels are closed for conservation. Regular admission covers the pagoda base, any ground-floor area open that day, and the exterior plaza. If climbing access resumes, follow the price and arrangements announced by the site. Access, tickets, and reservation requirements can change, so check the day's notice. Reference hours are 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with last entry at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The pagoda exterior and open areas
The pagoda is a landmark of Dingzhou, and its exterior and plaza are open to visitors while climbing access is closed. Brick caisson ceilings, murals, and stone carvings are preserved inside; access to those areas follows current conservation arrangements.
Song dynasty features inside the pagoda
The pagoda preserves Northern Song dynasty brick caisson ceilings on levels 1–7, as well as painted corridors, murals, and stone carvings on the ground floor. Ask which interior details can be seen from the areas open to visitors.
Add Dingzhou Museum
Dingzhou Museum is a separate venue nearby. Its second-floor west-facing window offers a view of the pagoda when that area is open. The museum has its own admission and opening arrangements; check whether the window area is open and whether photography is allowed. It is not included in the pagoda ticket.
Build your day
About 30 minutes at the pagoda
Enter through the south gate and see the base and any ground-floor area open that day. Continue to the plaza for views of the pagoda, the brass marker, and the red corridor to the west, then leave through an open exit. If the interior closes temporarily, stay in the permitted areas to view the exterior and plaza rather than waiting for an unannounced reopening of climbing access.
The pagoda and museum in 2–3 hours
Spend about 30 minutes at the pagoda, then walk to Dingzhou Museum for roughly 1–2 hours. The museum has separate tickets, reservation rules, and closing days. If you hope to use the second-floor window view, confirm the floor's access and photography rules when you enter.
An evening stop at the plaza
Pagoda lighting and the musical fountain may run on selected summer weekends or holidays, and schedules can vary. Extend your visit only after confirming that an event is planned for that evening; otherwise, visit during the day.
Get there
Dingzhou and Dingzhou East stations
Conventional trains from Beijing stop at Dingzhou Station, which is closer to the city center than Dingzhou East Station. From Dingzhou East, continue by car or taxi. Check a current map for the walking route and time from Dingzhou Station to the site.
Driving and parking
Navigate to Kaiyuan Temple Pagoda on Zhongshan Middle Road, Dingzhou. The road by the entrance is narrow and parking is limited. Use a permitted public parking lot and walk to the south gate; follow on-site signs for parking locations and fees.
Know before you go
Conservation and visitor access
The pagoda's surface is weathered. Do not touch, climb, or mark the structure. Ask which parts of the base and ground floor are open, and do not cross barriers.
Museum hours and photography
Dingzhou Museum is managed and ticketed separately from the pagoda. Access to the second-floor viewpoint, the location of the museum shop, and photography permissions depend on the museum's current arrangements. Check the opening times of both venues when planning your visit.
Dingzhou snacks
Look for Dingzhou bagao (扒糕) and ganglu shaobing (缸炉烧饼) in the city. Shops near the site may change their hours and prices, so check menus and opening times before stopping for a meal.