The Small White Pagoda

The Small White Pagoda

The Small White Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

The Small White Pagoda, located within the old city on Xiguandai Lane in the former site of Qianming Temple, earned its name "Small White Pagoda" because it is entirely built from white stone slabs. It is a key cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

The Small White Pagoda is small and exquisite in shape, resembling a precious vase. It stands atop an octagonal base and is about 12 meters tall. The base is octagonal and divided into two layers, each side being 2 meters wide, all adorned with stone reliefs. There are a total of 16 relief images on the four sides, depicting themes such as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl," "Guanyin Delivering a Child," and "Prosperous Blooms in Competition." At each corner, there are carvings of Vajra warriors with wide-open eyes and muscular arms straining upward in a lifelike manner. The body of the pagoda is constructed by interlocking and layering rectangular stone slabs. Its widest diameter is located in the upper half of the pagoda body. The finial has four tiers of eaves that gradually converge from the bottom up, with a disc-like top, giving it a graceful and elegant appearance that fully showcases the architectural skill of the craftsmen.

What makes this pagoda unique is the niche built into the middle section of the pagoda body, housing a Buddha statue. The Buddha is seated cross-legged on a lotus pedestal, wearing a folded-fan-shaped hat, with a serene and lifelike expression, exuding a strong sense of artistic craftsmanship. Judging from the existing architectural features and the artistic style of the reliefs, the pagoda was likely built during the Yuan Dynasty.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units of Henan Province