The Wooden Pagoda of Ying County in Shanxi province, nearly 1,000 years old and standing 67 meters tall, is the tallest and oldest all-timber pagoda in the world [1]. Built using 80,000 mortise-and-tenon joints without nails, the structure represents a rare feat of ancient Chinese craftsmanship [1].
Recent assessments show the pagoda is in critical condition, with noticeable tilting on its second and third floors raising concerns about its stability [1]. Rumors spread widely online claiming that authorities planned to completely disassemble the pagoda for restoration. These claims caused public alarm but were denied by Chinese officials in March 2026. Authorities stated monitoring and surveys to decide restoration methods remain ongoing, with no plans for total disassembly at this stage [1].
Wang Yongxian, former senior expert at the Shanxi Institute of Ancient Architecture Conservation, said he was "shocked at how quickly and widely the rumor spread," but emphasized the restoration plan focuses on "close monitoring, in-depth research, and localized reinforcement." He stressed that "a comprehensive restoration with complete disassembly is impossible in the short term and is clearly false information" [1].
According to officials, current work is limited to "partial strengthening and stabilization," targeting the most dangerous sections on the second and third floors to reinforce structural integrity [1]. The rumors of complete disassembly were driven largely by public concern, misunderstandings of specialized conservation efforts, and amplification by online influencers [1].
Experts hope authorities will increase transparency and public education about preserving ancient architecture to better address concerns and explain the complex restoration process [1].
Monitoring and reinforcement efforts continue as authorities work to safeguard the wooden pagoda, with no immediate plans for comprehensive restoration. The structure remains under close watch while research informs the next steps [1].