The Ailing Tower of Ying County

2026-04-22 · Campbell River, Canada

How challenging is it to preserve and restore the oldest all-timber pagoda in the world? This morning I stumbled across a fascinating article in Sixth Tone — well worth a read, even if ancient Chinese architecture isn’t usually your thing (or you don’t share my long-standing fascination with China).

sixthtone.com — 2026

The Pagoda Puzzle: What Can Save China’s Oldest Wooden Tower?

The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda in Ying County is one of those places that feels almost impossible. A structure of such complexity and intricacy, built entirely from wood nearly a thousand years ago — and the closer you look, the more astonishing the details become.

Ying County itself is, in Chinese terms, a tiny place, far from any of the better-known cities. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who has ever heard of it.

And yet — I’ve been there.

Back in 2012, for my friends’ wedding. At the time, I put together a post with a few photos and small moments from that visit:

imagical.ca — 2012

The Pagoda Puzzle: How was such intricate architecture created — and how has it lasted for almost 1,000 years?

Looking at it now, I once again feel grateful for all the unexpected opportunities along the way. One of those places you wouldn’t normally end up — yet somehow never leave behind.