Dujiangyan Thousand Buddha Pagoda

Dujiangyan Thousand Buddha Pagoda

The Dujiangyan Thousand Buddha Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

The Thousand Buddha Pagoda is located on the left side of Lingyan Temple on Lingyan Mountain, about 5 kilometers north of Dujiangyan City. This pagoda was built during the Kaiyuan era (713–741) of the Tang Dynasty by the Indian monk Ashita, who reconstructed Lingyan Temple. It is a solid stone-carved stupa-style pagoda, standing 3 meters tall with a base diameter of approximately 7.5 meters. The pagoda features a Sumeru-style base, topped with a hemispherical body consisting of 13 tiers that decrease in size from bottom to top. Each tier is intricately carved with Buddha statues seated in the lotus position, hence the name “Thousand Buddha Pagoda.” The lower three tiers have Buddha figures adorned with lotus pedestals and halos, while the upper tiers gradually decrease in size. The statues, each just a few centimeters tall, are exquisitely carved with clear drapery lines and serene expressions—there are approximately 800 in total. The top of the pagoda is decorated with two tiers of lotus petals, supporting a lotus pedestal that holds an iron-cast statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. This metal statue differs in style from the stone carvings and is believed to have been added later. The Thousand Buddha Pagoda was quite famous during the Song Dynasty, as attested by poet Fan Chengda’s verse: “Today I newly discover the paths of the Five Bridges; back then, the Thousand Buddha Pagoda bore its ancient name.” With its unique shape and fine craftsmanship, it is a rare sight in Sichuan.

Location

5 kilometers north of Dujiangyan City, Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province

Type: Historical Site / Ancient Pagoda

Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.