Iron Pagoda of Beigu Mountain

Iron Pagoda of Beigu Mountain

The Iron Pagoda of Beigu Mountain is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

[The Iron Pagoda] Located beside the Qinghui Pavilion, the Iron Pagoda is the main cultural relic of Beigu Mountain and one of only six ancient iron pagodas remaining in China. It was built in the first year of the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1078), boasting a history of over 900 years. Due to natural disasters, by the time of liberation, the pagoda was in a state of severe disrepair, with only two stories remaining.

In 1960, the iron pagoda was renovated. During the renovation, a large number of cultural relics were unearthed beneath the pagoda’s foundation, including a golden coffin, a silver casket, sarira (Buddhist relics), and an inscribed stone tablet written by the famous Tang Dynasty statesman Li Deyu. From these relics, it was learned that the pagoda was originally built in the first year of the Baoli era of the Tang Dynasty (825) by Prime Minister Li Deyu, who served three terms as the Prefect of Runzhou. It was destroyed during the Qianfu era, and the current iron pagoda was constructed in the Yuanfeng era of the Song Dynasty on the site of the original stone pagoda.

The structure of the iron pagoda is octagonal in plan. It has a base (i.e., a lotus pedestal), with four gates on each level. Each tier is cast with exquisitely detailed Buddha and flying apsara statues, all rendered in vivid poses. The massive lotus pedestal features beautifully cast cloud-and-water patterns and dragons playing with pearls. On the southeast side of the pagoda body are cast two lines of characters in the style of the Northern Wei script: “May the nation’s borders be at peace” and “The Dharma Wheel turns constantly.” The northeast side displays nine rows of inscribed names. The Iron Pagoda not only holds great artistic value but also showcases the superb iron-casting craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

Further Reading:

· First and Second Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units