Pagoda of Master Wan Song

Pagoda of Master Wan Song

The Pagoda of Master Wan Song is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Destination Introduction

The Pagoda of Master Wan Song is located at the side gate of No. 41 South Xisi Street, Xicheng District. Brick Tower Lane (Zhuanta Hutong) derives its name from this pagoda.

Master Wan Song refers to Chan Master Wan Song Xingxiu, who styled himself as “Wan Song, the Old Hermit.” He was a native of Henei (north of the Yellow River, now part of Henan Province) during the Jin Dynasty. He became a monk in Jingzhou and was a renowned Buddhist master between the Jin and Yuan Dynasties (affiliated with the Caodong sect of Buddhism), while also being highly versed in Confucian classics. His writings include "Records of Composure," "Posterior Record of Seeking Further Instruction," and "Recorded Sayings of Longevity," among others. He passed away at the age of 81 at Qiyin Temple on Yangshan Mountain in the western suburbs of Yanjing (modern-day Beijing). The pagoda tomb was later constructed; the original structure was an octagonal seven-tiered closely-eaved brick pagoda. In the 18th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1753), it was heightened to nine tiers. In the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927), it was renovated by Ye Gongchuo and others, with a main gate added and a stone lintel inscribed with “Pagoda of Master Wan Song of the Yuan Dynasty.” During renovations in 1986, it was discovered that a Qing-era pagoda encased an earlier Yuan-era pagoda within.

The pagoda is a nine-tiered, octagonal, closely-eaved brick pagoda in the style of the Jin and Yuan periods, standing approximately 15.9 meters tall. It is the only remaining brick pagoda in urban Beijing. The pagoda courtyard is 14 meters long from east to west and 7 meters wide from north to south, covering an area of 99.3 square meters, including a built-up area of 22.5 square meters.

This exquisitely delicate and uniquely styled pagoda stands out as one of Beijing’s notable street scenes. Today, this ancient pagoda, having withstood centuries of dynastic changes, still stands beside the bustling West Fourth Street in Beijing, evoking a sense of historical reflection and hope for the future.

Transportation Information

Transportation: Take bus routes 22, 109, or 47 and get off at Xisi.

Attraction Location

South side of the entrance to Brick Tower Hutong, beside No. 41 South Xisi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units in Beijing

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units