Liao Dynasty Stone Pagoda in Daxinge Pavilion

Liao Dynasty Stone Pagoda in Daxinge Pavilion

The Liao Dynasty Stone Pagoda in Daxinge Pavilion is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Liao Dynasty Stone Pagoda in Daxinge Pavilion is located south of Daxinge Village, west of Yongqing County. It currently stands six meters tall. This solid octagonal multi-eaved pagoda is made of white marble and consists of a base, body, and eaves, though its finial is now missing. According to the "Rixia Jiuwen Kao" compiled by Yu Minzhong during the Qing Dynasty: “(In Yongqing) fifteen li northwest of the county in Xinjaokou Village, Longquan Temple (also called Longyan Temple) has a white stone pagoda.” This refers to the current pagoda. The base of the pagoda is buried underground and features an octagonal Sumeru pedestal. Each facet of the pedestal is carved with beast heads on the waisted section, and above it lies a circular lotus-petal stone disc with three layers of petals. Above that is the main body of the pagoda, also octagonal, with raised ridges at each corner forming columns that extend up to the eaves. On the southern face of the pagoda body, there is a bas-relief of a pair of lattice doors with four mullions, adorned with a coiled dragon design above the doors. On the southeast and southwest faces, there are bas-reliefs of armoured warriors holding weapons. The northern face features a bas-relief of a Buddha statue seated in lotus position on a Sumeru pedestal, wearing a draped shawl-like kasaya and forming the dhyana mudra with hands clasped. The pagoda’s eaves are octagonal, gradually narrowing toward the top, with each layer carved from a single piece of stone — there are thirteen layers in total. The top surfaces of the eaves are carved with rows of roof tiles, and the edges feature dripstones and curved rafter ends. The lowest eave layer has carvings of eave brackets, flying rafters, corner beams, and a carved flower on each corner representing a single jump with three bracket arms. The inner side of the lowest eave also bears an inscription explaining its significance. Similar architectural styles can also be found in pagodas from North China during the Liao and Jin periods, indicating the construction techniques typical of the time. It is a National Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

In May 2013, the Liao Dynasty Stone Pagoda in Daxinge Pavilion was designated as part of the seventh group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Second Group of Cultural Relics Protection Units in Hebei Province

· Seventh Group of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units