Twins Pagoda Temple, originally called Yongzuo Temple, was built in the thirty-sixth year of Wanli in the Ming dynasty (1608 AD). The two pagodas look alike, being octagonal and having thirteen storeys and a height of over 50 meters. They are considered the symbol of Taiyuan city.

The complex, standing on the slope of a mountain, is designed so that each of its buildings fit well with the ascending landscape. The 54.7meter high, 13-storey, twins octagonal pagoda are the highlight of the temple, and on arrival at either of their tops visitors can get some great views over the city. 

Most of the other buildings in the temple are made with gray bricks that have proved useful in saving them from the destructive fires that have destroyed many of this type of temple in the past. Of these gray buildings, the most worthy of a look in is one on the eastern side of the temple that contains a rare collection of steles bearing the works of famed calligraphers from various dynasties. 

Wuliang Hall is another structure in the temple. The exquisite double-eave hall is divided into the main central hall, west hall and east hall. The arched door in the yard leads to the eastern corridor displaying engravings of famous calligraphers, including Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, Yan Zhenqing, Liu Gongquan, Tang Huaisu, Su Dongpo, Huang Tingjian and Fu Shan.