The Shibalipu Pagoda

The Shibalipu Pagoda

The Shibalipu Pagoda is located in Shibalipu Village, Eighteen-Li Fort Township (now Chengguan Town Subdistrict Office), Linghe District, Lingyuan City, Chaoyang, Liaoning Province, within the western part of the historical site of Yuzhou City from the Liao Dynasty. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. The pagoda was built during the Liao Dynasty. Adjacent to its east is the site of the ancient Yushu City (Yuzhou, established during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Liao). This Vajrayana pagoda was constructed by monks and lay followers of Yuzhou in the Liao Dynasty to venerate the Buddha and propagate Buddhist teachings. After contemporary restoration, the pagoda now features an octagonal seven-tiered structure (though some pagoda enthusiasts suggest that a slightly taller diameter would improve the proportions, and it's possible the original tower had nine, eleven, or even thirteen tiers). It is a solid brick pagoda with closely stacked eaves. The top is damaged, and the base has been reinforced with modern stone construction. The upper parts of the pedestal feature brick carvings of bodhisattva statues on each side, flanked by attendant figures, along with carved brick bracket sets.

The pagoda currently stands approximately 24 meters tall and is generally damaged, with the base reinforced by modern stonework. The upper section of the pedestal is adorned with large double-layered upturned lotus petal carvings in brick, which support the body of the pagoda. Each face of the pagoda has a central arched doorway, inside of which is inset a relief sculpture of a bodhisattva seated atop upturned lotuses, flanked by attendant standing figures. At the top of the carvings are flying apsaras and canopies. At the corners are carved cylindrical columns. The top of the pagoda’s body is supported by brick-carved imitation wooden bracket sets that hold up the first tier of eaves. The higher tiers feature interlocking cantilevered eaves that gradually taper inward.