The Relic Pagoda of Jinshan Temple

The Relic Pagoda of Jinshan Temple

The Relic Pagoda of Jinshan Temple is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Jinshan Temple Pagoda stands atop a 1-meter-high, 6-meter-square stone platform halfway up the mountain. The pagoda has an overall height of 8.18 meters, an octagonal floor plan, and a thirteen-tiered dense-eave structure. The base is a Sumeru pedestal about 1 meter high, with carved sea creatures in relief around the waist of the pedestal on all eight sides. Above and below the waist are various geometric patterns including sea horses, sea lions, scrolling vines, peonies, and pomegranate flowers, giving the base a richly decorated appearance. Above this is an 1.55-meter-tall octagonal tower column. On the front center of the southern face is a relief of the Amitayus Buddha, along with the inscription “Record of the Thousand Buddha Relic Pagoda of Amitayus.” Below that are inscriptions reading “Long Live the Empress Dowager,” “Long Live the Current Emperor,” “Long Live the Crown Prince,” and “Long Live the Princess.” The signature reads “Made on the Double Ninth Festival in the eleventh year of the Yuandade era, recorded by the Taiping Society,” among other text. On both sides are finely engraved three-clawed dragons playing with a pearl, and at the top and bottom are double-hooked vine patterns. At the very bottom is a lotus petal pattern serving as a supporting motif. The other sides feature over 840 Buddha images in varying forms, either in relief or incised. The first tier of eaves is adorned with bracket sets and rafters, and each tier of eaves also has eight holes for hanging wind bells, totaling 104. Above the eaves sits a lotus-shaped finial base and a gourd-shaped spire. This pagoda not only has a rational structure and beautiful shape but is also an exquisitely crafted artistic treasure. Jinshan Temple has experienced several periods of rise and decline, and was renovated multiple times during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, the halls have collapsed and turned into ruins. Aside from the Thousand Buddha Relic Pagoda, the site also preserves one mountain gate and seven stone steles.

Thirty meters to the north of the pagoda lies the ruins of Jinshan Temple, surrounded by mountains on the west, north, and south, and facing a deep valley to the east with a bird’s-eye view of the Juma River. To the south is a mountain path through lush forests, creating a beautiful landscape. Coupled with the pagoda’s exquisite carvings and unique shape, it forms a picturesque scene.

In May 2013, the Relic Pagoda of Jinshan Temple was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Third Group of Hebei Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units