Liaozhou Pagoda

Liaozhou Pagoda

Liaozhou Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Liaoning Province.

Liaozhou Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of Jingyan Chan Temple, stands within the Ancient Pagoda Branch of the Mongolian High School in Kazuo County. Built in the fifth year of the Xianyong era (1069) during the Liao Dynasty, the pagoda stands 34.1 meters tall and is an octagonal, densely-eaved brick structure. It is a rare example of brick carving artistry and has been listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Liaoning Province. It is also included in the "Chinese Scenic Spots Dictionary."

Approaching the pagoda, the first things that catch your eye are two ancient locust trees with lush foliage that cast a dense shade. Passing these trees and looking up at the ancient pagoda, you’ll often see flocks of swallows swirling around it, chirping melodiously. Their bright, cheerful calls resemble the chanting of Buddhist scriptures or the earnest reading voices of students, creating an enchanting atmosphere. As exam season approaches, pilgrims come from all directions to worship the pagoda with deep reverence.

The main body of the ancient pagoda is an equilateral octagon, with each side of the base measuring 5 meters. The base is constructed from stone slabs and rises 6 meters above the ground. The lower two levels of the pagoda form the hollow pavilion-style main body, while the seven levels above are solid and densely eaved, with minimal tapering — a rare feature among pagodas of the Liao Dynasty. The first abbot of Jingyan Chan Temple, Yuan Gai, was buried inside the pagoda after his passing. Each level of the pagoda is white, creating a gray-and-white contrast across the structure. The upper section features six tiers of overlapping eaves, beneath which runs a band of square brick reliefs depicting the “Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars.” Above these reliefs sit lotus pedestals, each—except the front—supporting three carved stone lions carrying a platform. On these platforms sits the first level of the pagoda body. The southern face features a round-arched door with matching inner and outer archways, flanked by stone tablets inscribed with the characters “万古” (Everlasting) and “流芳” (Fragrant Legacy) in regular script. The eastern, western, and northern sides have false doors guarded by fierce-looking, armor-clad stone relief warriors wielding blades, exuding a majestic aura. The remaining sides are adorned with carvings of the Eight Great Guardians, each rendered with vivid detail. The second level of the pagoda also features eight guardians guarding the four doors, similar to those on the first level. In addition, there are eight bodhisattva reliefs with kind expressions and varied postures, adding warmth and reverence to the pagoda. The seven upper levels of the pagoda are surrounded by eaves supported by carved brick brackets, with floral designs between them. The pagoda is crowned with a spire-style top, featuring an exposed iron finial rod at the center, and the inner core is hollow all the way to the top. The first level chamber is octagonal, with a square hole in the center of the ceiling leading to the second level chamber, which is square and also has a central square hole that goes straight to the top of the pagoda.

Source: Tourism Bureau of Harqin Left Wing Mongolian Autonomous County