Huili Temple Pagoda

Huili Temple Pagoda

The Huili Temple Pagodas are National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

The Huili Temple Pagodas are located in front of Huili Temple in Xiashi Town, Haining City, Zhejiang Province. There are two pagodas, both built in the 15th year of the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (874 AD). Each stands about 5 meters tall and has an octagonal base. The Sumeru pedestal features bas-reliefs of coiled dragons on the entasis, while the shafts are inscribed with the "Uṣṇīṣa Vijaya Dhāraṇī Sūtra." The pagoda tops feature stacked layers including canopies, bead motifs, stone discs, double bead rows, and a lotus-shaped finial adorned with flying apsaras reliefs. The eastern pagoda bears an inscription recording its construction in the 15th year of the Xiantong era (874 AD). Both stone pagodas are exquisitely crafted, with richly detailed and smooth carvings. The Xiantong era was the reign title of Emperor Yizong of Tang, who ruled for 14 years; thus, the 15th year of Xiantong would actually correspond to the first year of the Qianfu era under Emperor Xizong, or 874 AD.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units