Miaofeng Mountain Twin Pagodas

Miaofeng Mountain Twin Pagodas

The Miaofeng Mountain Twin Pagodas are a cultural relic protection unit of Liaoning Province.

The Miaofeng Mountain Twin Pagodas are located on Miaofeng Mountain, about 150 meters north of Tazigou in Yong’anbao Township, Suizhong. They lie approximately 75 kilometers southeast of the county seat. The pagodas are named after the Miaofeng Temple situated at their base. Built during the Qian Tong era (1101–1110) of the Liao Dynasty, the two pagodas stand facing each other from east to west, about 50 meters apart. The eastern pagoda is about 24 meters high and is an octagonal, nine-tiered, closely-eaved brick structure. Each of the eight sides of the pagoda features corner pillars, while the east, west, south, and north sides have shallow brick niches housing a seated Buddha on a lotus pedestal. The Buddha’s pedestal is of a Sumeru-style design, with the waist section carved with horses, elephants, lion heads, and other figures in various poses. Above the niches are canopies, flying apsaras, and bronze mirrors. The upper right corner on the southeastern side of the pagoda is carved with “Emperor Tianzuo of Liao,” while the upper left corner on the southern face is inscribed with “Imperially Bestowed Relic Pagoda” in brick carvings. Hence, it is also known as the Tianzuo or Relic Pagoda. The western pagoda is about 10 meters high and is a hexagonal, seven-tiered, solid, closely-eaved brick structure. Its structure and carvings are largely similar to those of the eastern pagoda, though only five tiers of eaves remain today.

There are two ancient pagodas on the mountain, standing facing each other from east to west—one large and one small. Their structures and carvings are largely similar, presenting a majestic sight. A rough measurement shows the distance between them is about 50-plus meters, and upon closer inspection, both are made of blue bricks. This pagoda is about 9 meters tall, a hexagonal, seven-tiered, solid, closely-eaved brick structure, with only five tiers of eaves remaining. Several small trees have grown from the center of the pagoda’s top. Though the body of the pagoda is well-preserved, it has a distinctly aged appearance. Turning to the larger pagoda to the east, it is much more finely crafted than the smaller one, standing approximately 24 meters tall. It is also an octagonal, nine-tiered, solid, closely-eaved brick structure, with each side of the pagoda about 2 meters wide. The eight sides each feature corner pillars, and the east, west, south, and north sides have shallow brick niches that house a seated Buddha on a lotus pedestal. The Buddha’s pedestal is of a Sumeru-style design, with the waist section carved with horses, elephants, and lion heads. Looking more closely at the pagoda’s body, the first tier accounts for about one-third of the total height, with brick-carved brackets beneath the eaves. Each side has two Buddha niches, each enshrining a gilded Vajra standing at the corners.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Liaoning Province