The Twin Towers of Yongzuo Temple, on the southeast outskirts of Taiyuan city, in Shanxi province [Photo/IC] 

The Twin Towers of the Yongzuo Temple, on the southeast outskirts of Taiyuan city, are the metropolis' premier landmark.

The two pagodas, named Wenfeng and Sheli, were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

They sit on dry, high land and are built of masonry. They are some 13 stories tall, or 54.7 meters high, and are empty inside, with spiral ladders leading to the top and the structures face each other. They have a sound-dampening effect and are virtually thunderstorm-proof.