Yunlong Temple Pagoda

Yunlong Temple Pagoda

Yunlong Temple Pagoda is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Pagodas, also known as "futu" or "sutu," were originally Buddhist structures used to store scriptures and preserve the relics of eminent monks. However, over time in the course of history, these pagodas gradually moved away from temples, entered gardens, and became integrated into secular life, evolving from religious towers into geomantic or feng shui pagodas. In the history of China, regions with many pagodas often experienced economic and cultural prosperity alongside the rise of Buddhism; the construction of temples and pagodas also depended on the local social and economic vitality. Thus, ancient pagodas, as symbols and landmarks, not only record the trajectory of a region’s historical development but also reflect its level of economic, cultural advancement and reputation. Today, as invaluable historical and cultural heritage and scenic tourism resources, ancient pagodas increasingly demonstrate their value in archaeology and cultural appreciation.

Yunlong Temple Pagoda is the only nationally recognized Tang Dynasty pagoda in Guangdong. It was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 1988. The pagoda is located on the hillside behind Angang Village in Dongtang Town, a former revolutionary base area. According to the "Inscription on the Reconstruction of Xishan Temple" from the 14th year of the Zhengde reign in the Ming Dynasty (1519), it states: “The towering pagoda bears the title of Qianning; the fragmented stele begins with the year of Guanghua.” Furthermore, judging by its architectural style and the numerous remnants of Tang Dynasty lotus-petal-shaped roof tiles found around the base, it is concluded that the pagoda was built during the late Tang Dynasty, specifically the Qianning and Guanghua years (894–898). The "Renhua County Annals" from the Qing Dynasty's Tongzhi era records: “This pagoda is the tower of Master Yangshan.” About 200 meters from the pagoda lies a temple, originally named Xishan Temple, which was renamed Yunlong Temple in the Qing Dynasty. The pagoda was consequently also renamed Yunlong Temple Pagoda, a name that has been used to this day.

The pagoda is square in plan and built as a solid brick structure. Each of its levels features four sides constructed in imitation of wooden architecture, using bricks to form embedded columns, door arches, lintels, auxiliary beams, eaves beams, fake doors, railings, and balconies, all characteristic of typical Tang Dynasty square brick pagodas. Its rustic and dignified appearance, along with its unique shape, makes it a valuable artifact for studying the architectural style of early pagodas in Guangdong.

Angang Village: Angang Village... More details about Angang Village++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units