Tomb Pagoda of Yao Guangxiao

Tomb Pagoda of Yao Guangxiao

The Tomb Pagoda of Yao Guangxiao is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Tomb Pagoda of Yao Guangxiao was built during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty and is located north of Changle Temple Village in Fangshan District. It is an octagonal, nine-tiered, closely-eaved brick pagoda facing south, standing 33 meters tall in total. The entire pagoda sits atop a single-tiered square platform. At the base is an octagonal pedestal, upon which sit two layers of octagonal Sumeru pedestals. The waist of the Sumeru-style base features relief carvings of the Chinese character for longevity, as well as patterns of chrysanthemums, lotuses, and passionflowers. Above that are three tiers of outward-curving lotus petals. The central body of the pagoda has four facades carved with imitation wooden lattice false doors, while the other four sides feature imitation wooden lattice false windows. Above the central door is embedded a square stone slab inscribed in regular script: “The Pagoda of Yao Guangxiao, Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent, Posthumously Honored as Duke Gongjing of Rongguo.” Above the pagoda body are nine tiers of corbelled eaves, with bronze bells hanging from each corner that tinkle melodiously in the wind. The finial is made of iron and shaped like a gourd, with an inverted lotus base supporting the spherical body of the finial. The finial pole is strung with disks, a disk of light, a crescent, and a precious bead, forming an elegant and symmetrical structure. The finial is secured to the eave corners with eight iron chains. The overall structure of Yao Guangxiao’s Tomb Pagoda is well-proportioned, with unique and finely carved floral patterns on the pagoda body. The clean and graceful silhouette of the pagoda fully reflects the architectural style of Ming Dynasty pagodas.

Location

Changle Temple Village, Fangshan District, southwest of Beijing

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units