The Lingguang Pagoda in Baishan is a genuine rarity in this part of northeast China: a Tang dynasty structure, dating to the eighth or ninth century CE, that has survived more or less intact. The tower follows the brick pagoda form common to Tang Buddhist architecture — octagonal, tapering, with recessed tiers — and stands as the oldest significant above-ground structure in Jilin Province. The area around it includes a small temple precinct with later additions.
In a province where most historical structures were rebuilt in the Qing dynasty at the earliest (and many are modern reconstructions), finding something from the Tang is unexpected. The pagoda is not large by comparison with the great Tang towers in central China, but its age and relative authenticity give it a presence that oversized reproductions cannot match. It rewards a visit of an hour or so and is easily reached from the city centre.