The Ashoka Pagoda in Daixian

The Ashoka Pagoda in Daixian

The Ashoka Pagoda in Daixian is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Ashoka Pagoda

Ashoka Pagoda (Fifth Batch of National Protected Sites)

Era: Yuan Dynasty

Address: Within the compound of the People's Government of Daixian County

Originally part of the Yuanguo Temple complex, also known as the Yuanguo Temple Pagoda. The temple has been destroyed, but the pagoda remains standing.

The Ashoka Pagoda is conical in shape, with a total height of 40 meters. The base is rectangular, measuring 50 meters from north to south and 30 meters from east to west, with a height of 1.5 meters. The pagoda is built at the center of the base. The pedestal is circular in plan, constructed of brick, with a circumference of 60 meters. It features inverted and upright lotus petals, multiple layers of overlapping rings, and a Sumeru-style base with square rings. The sides are carved with floral designs, lotus petals, and dharani scriptures. The main body of the pagoda is a slightly wider upper-shoulder circular stupa style. The spire consists of 11 layers of brick-made discs, with a canopy at the top and an orb at the very summit. In the 20th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1681), an earthquake damaged over nine feet of the spire, which was repaired in the 23rd year (1694). It is considered a fine example of Tibetan-style pagodas in China.

Dongbeijiecun (Northeast Street Village): Dongbeijiecun is a village under the jurisdiction of Shangguan Town, Daixian County, Shanxi Province. Located in the northeast corner of the county town, adjacent to the main street, it enjoys convenient transportation. The village currently has 1,030 mu of arable land, with a population of over 2,100 people across 1,050 households, including 880 able-bodied workers (both male and female) and 28 Party members. Dongbeijiecun does not have a dominant industry, and residents mainly make a living through farming, working jobs, or running businesses. ... More detailed information about Dongbeijiecun++

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units