Three Shadows Pagoda

Three Shadows Pagoda

Three Shadows Pagoda is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Three Shadows Pagoda, originally named Yanxiang Temple Pagoda, is located on Yongkang Road in Nanxiong City, Guangdong Province, China. It was first built in the second year of the Dazhong Xiangfu era during the Northern Song Dynasty (1009 AD) and was renovated in the eleventh year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1446 AD). Originally part of the Yanxiang Temple complex, the pagoda features a pavilion-style brick structure with a hexagonal floor plan, consisting of nine stories and standing at a height of 50.2 meters (including the spire).

Three Shadows Pagoda is currently the only early Northern Song Dynasty brick pagoda in Guangdong Province with a verifiable construction date, and it has been listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. Each story of the pagoda features projecting eaves and railings, with a bronze bell hanging from the beam of each eave. In total, there are 48 bronze bells on the pagoda. At the tips of the roof ridges sit glazed pottery Pixiu figures in a dark reddish color, believed to ward off disasters and bring blessings.

Legend has it that the pagoda could cast three reflections on the mirror-like walls of Yanxiang Temple—one pointing upward and two hanging upside down—hence the name “Three Shadows Pagoda.” Unfortunately, Yanxiang Temple has been destroyed, and visitors can no longer witness this marvel.

Admission Fee

5 RMB

Location

Yongkang Road, Nanxiong City, Shaoguan, Guangdong Province

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units