Shuanglin Iron Pagoda

Shuanglin Iron Pagoda

Shuanglin Iron Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

The iron pagoda is located within Shuanglin Temple at the foot of Yunhuang Mountain on Tashan, hence the name Shuanglin Iron Pagoda. It is the oldest surviving iron pagoda in China.

The Shuanglin Iron Pagoda was cast in the second year of the Guangshun era (952 AD) during the Later Zhou Dynasty of the Five Dynasties period by Zhu Hongji at Shuanglin Temple under Yunhuang Mountain. There were originally two pagodas, both octagonal with five tiers, built in a wooden-style, pavilion structure. One was destroyed in wartime. The surviving one has only two tiers remaining, standing at a height of

2.15 meters, surrounded by an octagonal iron railing. The body of the pagoda is cast with patterns including human figures, animals, Buddhist motifs, flowers, and water waves. These images are vivid and lifelike. Except for some areas affected by rust, the exterior remains shiny and black.

Currently, only two tiers with three eaves remain, standing about 2.20 meters high. The first tier has doorways on four sides, and the other four sides each have nine Buddha statues cast in iron. The second tier has twelve Buddha statues on each side. The corner pillars of each tier are adorned with scroll designs, and the base features a cast railing, all exquisitely made. Surviving railings from the Five Dynasties period are rare, making these extremely precious.

The pagoda’s eaves are gently sloped, and beneath them are double-layered bracket sets with simple arches. The arch pads are decorated with Buddha statues—thirty-two in total across the eight sides. The Sumeru pedestal is cast with figures, auspicious beasts, flowers, pavilions, and mountain peaks with waves symbolizing the “nine mountains and eight seas.” The Shuanglin Iron Pagoda is the only iron pagoda in Zhejiang Province and is notable for its high level of casting craftsmanship.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Zhejiang Province