Dongsi Tower and Xisi Tower are two pagodas that stand on Shulin Street and Dongsi Street in the southern part of downtown Kunming. First built in the mid- to late Tang Dynasty, they were rebuilt during reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty. Dongsi Tower is 40.57 meters high and Xisi Tower is 36 meters high. Both are square hollow towers of brick. In the vicinity of Dongsi Tower (East Temple Pagoda) Square, there is an area known as Old Kunming. All of the buildings in this area are built in the ancient style. Scattered in the area are many sculptures, such as Mabang (Horses Carrying Mountain Products), Jiaomai (Hawking Wares), and Buguo (Repairing Cauldrons), displaying the life in old Kunming. The elderly often gather at an old stage where they perform local ballads and exhibit the colorful lanterns they have made. Not far from Old Kunming is a modern recreational area with many teahouses, bars, Internet cafes, night clubs, and the Mingxing (Star) Opera House, the largest in the city, which attracts lots of young people every day and night. |
Dongsi Tower
|
Xisi Tower |