Fabao Xianglong Pagoda

Fabao Xianglong Pagoda

Fabao Xianglong Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province.

Fabao Xianglong Pagoda stands on Jin'an Mountain in the northeast of Wuyi County. It was initially built in the 33rd year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1602) and completed in the 36th year of Wanli (1605). The name of the pagoda is derived from the phrase “a frenzied elephant falls silent before an old dragon”

in the scripture.

Fabao Xianglong Pagoda is built with masonry and designed in the style of a traditional multi-storied pavilion. It has a hexagonal floor plan, seven stories in total, and is 42.26 meters high. The body of the pagoda tapers with each ascending level, and windows are staggered and alternately placed on each story. The eaves are made of flat bricks and pyramid-shaped ornaments layered one upon another, extending outward layer by layer. Inside the pagoda, brick steps are constructed to form a spiral staircase winding upwards. The top of the pagoda is formed by stacking layers that gradually contract inward. Each story contains wooden beams oriented in different directions; these beams support a wooden floor, greatly enhancing the structural integrity of the pagoda. An iron pagoda finial post starts from the sixth story and extends to the very top. The finial post is made of iron and consists of a base disk, an inverted bowl, a exposed disk, and a precious vase. In addition, beneath the eaves on each level of the pagoda’s outer wall, ink paintings depict traditional wooden architectural details such as a two-bracket, three-rafter design.

For over 380 years after its completion, Fabao Xianglong Pagoda underwent no major repairs until 1984, when the Wuyi County People's Government allocated funds for a major restoration project.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Zhejiang Province