Ruiyun Temple Pagoda

Ruiyun Temple Pagoda

Ruiyun Temple Pagoda is a cultural tourism attraction.

Introduction:

Ruiyun Temple is located in Shajiasi Village, Shanyin County. The pagoda features an upper base adorned with engraved upward-facing lotus petals, topped by a spire. This simple and ancient stupa serves as an important example for studying Yuan Dynasty tomb stupas. Built in the fifth year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty (1577), the brick pagoda stands approximately 11 meters tall and exhibits a pavilion-style exterior. Its architectural style, form, layout, and structure are completely different from those of earlier pagodas. The lowest section includes a brick base without a Sumeru pedestal, featuring upturned eaves. Each side of the second level contains a niche housing a wood-carved Buddha statue seated cross-legged on a lotus throne. These carvings are finely executed, with smooth, natural lines and well-balanced proportions, representing some of the finer examples of Ming Dynasty wood-carved Buddha statues. The third, fourth, and fifth levels of the pagoda do not include niches, but their upper eaves display carved brick rafters, connecting eaves, and tile ends. No wood or bracket sets are used throughout the structure. There is a significant distance between each level, and the vertical profile is plain yet sturdy, solemn and balanced—providing valuable reference for the study of Ming Dynasty brick pagodas.

Shuozhou City, Shanxi Province