Qiankou Ancient Pagoda

Qiankou Ancient Pagoda

Qiankou Pagoda, also known as the “Qiankou Cone,” was built in the 23rd year of the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1544 AD) and is an ancient pagoda rich in Huizhou cultural characteristics.

Qiankou Pagoda is located at a crucial water outlet and boasts a distinctive shape—octagonal on all four sides, with seven tiers externally and four internally. The entire pagoda is about 60 meters high, with the bottom tier having a diameter of 10.4 meters. Each higher level reduces by 94%, resulting in a top diameter of 7.2 meters, forming a conical shape. Each level inside the pagoda once featured deity statues, murals, and calligraphic works by master calligraphers from various dynasties (now no longer extant). The pagoda’s top is crowned with a gourd-shaped dome. This architectural technique is not only an artistic conception but also embodies the idea of “gathering the essence of the sun and moon, and drawing the vital energy of heaven and earth into this celestial vessel,” symbolizing the continuous growth and vitality of all things. It reflects the aesthetic sensibilities and aspirations of the people of Qiankou in ancient times, and provides valuable material for later generations to study.

(Author: Wang Mailang, Wang Dadao)