Gutian Jixiang Temple Pagoda

Gutian Jixiang Temple Pagoda

Gutian Jixiang Temple Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province.

As one of Fujian’s top ten famous pagodas, Gutian Jixiang Temple Pagoda was originally located in front of Jixiang Temple in the old city. In 1958, due to the construction of the reservoir for the Gutianxi Hydropower Station, it was relocated and rebuilt on Shigong Mountain in Songtai, the new city, preserving its original form. The pagoda was built in the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo era during the Northern Song Dynasty, and was renovated twice during the Yuandade and Mingchenghua periods. Later, due to the impact of thunderstorms, the pagoda leaned slightly. In the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935), Master Yuanying, abbot of Xuefeng Temple, donated funds for its restoration. The pagoda is a solid stone structure, standing 25 meters tall with a base width of 7.7 meters. It features an octagonal, nine-story pavilion-style design with a Sumeru pedestal base. The base’s eight sides are carved with eight warrior deities, while each of the eight sides of the 2nd to 9th stories contains a Buddha niche housing a seated Buddha. The niches are flanked by carvings of various flowers, plants, fish, insects, birds, and beasts, all rendered in a simple and rustic style. In May 1961, it was designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, and a commemorative protection stele was erected. In 1984, the provincial government allocated funds to build an additional octagonal stone railing, which remains well-preserved.

The pagoda is an octagonal, nine-story solid stone pavilion-style structure, standing 25 meters tall with a Sumeru pedestal base 7.70 meters wide. The first level’s eight sides are carved with eight warrior deities, while the second to ninth levels each have eight Buddha niches on their eight sides, housing seated Buddhas. The niches are flanked by carvings of various flowers, plants, fish, insects, birds, and beasts, all rendered in a simple and rustic style.

Chengdong Subdistrict: Located at the center of the county, Chengdong Subdistrict enjoys convenient transportation, with Provincial Highways 202 and 304 running through the area. It lies 25 kilometers from the Yingfu Railway and 128 kilometers from Fuzhou. The upcoming Beijing–Taipei Expressway section from Jian’ou to Gutian to Fuzhou, along with the Ningwu Expressway (from Pingnan to Gutian connecting to the Beijing–Taipei Expressway branch), will pass through the subdistrict and feature interchanges.

Chengdong Subdistrict has relatively complete infrastructure and ample power supply. The Gutianxi Hydropower Plant, a key project from China’s First Five-Year Plan period, is located within its jurisdiction, with a total installed capacity of 260,000 kilowatts. Water supply is sufficient, and the under-construction Taoxi Reservoir will ensure future... Chengdong Subdistrict detailed information++