Pagoda of Bailin Temple

The Pagoda of Bailin Temple

The Pagoda of Bailin Temple (Chinese: 从谂禅师舍利塔; pinyin: Cóngshĕn Chánshī Shĕlìtǎ or Chinese: 赵州塔; pinyin: Zhàozhōu Tǎ), located in Zhao County, Hebei province, China is an octagonal-based brick Chinese pagoda built in 1330 during the reign of Emperor Wenzong, ruler of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368).

Features

This seven story pagoda stands at a height of about 40 m (131 ft), built on a stone foundation. The lower section of the pagoda is a brick sumeru pedestal, which features two rows of intricate carvings that include artwork of musicians, celestial guardians, animals, and peonies. The first story of this solid brick pagoda features a facade of doors and windows, as well as columns, rafters, and brackets. Above this are seven tiers of eaves. The design style of this pagoda follows the tradition of the Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty, which were Khitan and Jurchen dynasties that ruled northern China before Kublai Khan established the Yuan.

External links

• Official temple website
• Bailin Pagoda at China.org.cn