Octagonal View Pagoda

Octagonal View Pagoda

The Octagonal View Pagoda is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Era: Liao Dynasty

Address: On the northern mountain of Tayingzi Village, approximately 45 kilometers west of Chaoyang City, Liaoning Province

The pagoda faces the Daling River to the south and stands opposite the site of the Jianzhou City built during the Liao Dynasty. Constructed in the early Liao period, it was named after the Octagonal View Temple built during the Qing Dynasty at the foot of the mountain. It is an octagonal, thirteen-story, closely-eaved brick pagoda, standing 34.4 meters tall. The base is divided into upper, middle, and lower sections. The upper and lower sections feature three niches on each facet, adorned with relief carvings of coiled dragons, muscular guardians, small pagodas, and celestial figures in various poses; the middle section is plain. The main body of the pagoda features carvings of seated Buddhas, attendants, and celestial youths dancing on clouds. Each level of the closely-eaved roof is decorated with uniquely styled and distinctly formed carved brick brackets.

In May 2013, the Octagonal View Pagoda was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units