Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple in Xuancheng

Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple in Xuancheng

The Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple in Xuancheng are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple are located at the southern foot of Jingting Mountain, about 5 kilometers north of Xuancheng City, Anhui Province.

Originally situated behind the pagodas was Guangjiao Temple, commonly known as "Twin Pagoda Temple," which has now been destroyed. Based on the architectural features of the pagodas and inscriptions preserved in the stone carvings inside, it is estimated that the pagodas were built in the third year of Shaosheng during the reign of Emperor Zhezong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1096).

Both pagodas have seven stories and are approximately 20 meters high, with square bases. The eastern pagoda has sides 2.65 meters long, while the western pagoda has sides 2.35 meters long. The pagodas are constructed of brick with wooden framework. Except for the three-sided entrances on the ground floor, each upper level has four-sided entrances. They feature half-timbered eaves, wooden flooring, and lack a central pillar or other decorative elements. The pagoda bodies were originally adorned with numerous Buddha image bricks, most of which are now severely damaged, though four pairs of Buddha images on the fifth floor of the eastern pagoda remain well preserved. Each side of the pagodas is divided into three sections by engaged columns, with a round arched door in the center and round corner columns featuring "entasis" and "inclined feet." A single bracket set adorns the lintel above each bay, with one projecting bracket arm, and on the second floor, two central pillars stand on either side of the bracket set. The pagodas originally had finials, but these no longer exist. The interior space of each pagoda is rather small, with wooden stairs connecting the levels. The inner walls of the second level of both pagodas contain stone carvings of the Avalokiteshvara Beads Dharani Sutra inscribed by Su Shi, a renowned literary figure of the Northern Song Dynasty. The stones are rectangular, written in regular script, framed by brick borders, and bear an inscription at the end reading: “On the 27th day of the second month in the fourth year of Yuanfeng, Huangzhou’s Vice Commander of Militia, Meiyang’s Su Shi, inscribed this to present to the Venerable Mogu of Guangjiao Temple in Xuancheng.” The colophon reads: “Re-engraved and printed anew in the first month of the third year of Shaosheng by Xuan Yang of Wanling’s Lengyan Lecture Hall at Guanming Temple in Lingyan, to donate together with all beings for the merit of good karma.” Yuanfeng was the reign era of Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, and the fourth year of Yuanfeng was 1080; Shaosheng was the reign era of Emperor Zhezong, and the third year of Shaosheng was 1096, which is roughly when the pagodas were built.

The architectural style of the Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple adopts the square-floor plan technique of the Tang Dynasty, which is very rare among the ancient pagodas that still exist in China. Although the existing structures of the twin pagodas are somewhat damaged, they retain the original appearance from their construction in the Northern Song Dynasty. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units