Tree-Enveloped Pagoda, Pagoda-Enveloped Tree

　　   Located within the Dazhai Guanmian Temple in Jinggu County. The Tree-Enveloped Pagoda is on the east side of the temple. It is a gourd-shaped sandstone relief pagoda that is square at the base and round at the top. The base of the pagoda is over four meters long, and the pagoda itself rises more than ten meters high. A large banyan tree, with a trunk circumference of over two meters, grows right in the center at the top of the pagoda. Its canopy spreads out like a giant umbrella reaching toward the sky, standing upright in the pagoda. Countless thick tree roots on the outside of the pagoda tightly embrace the stone structure. The tree and pagoda merge as one, creating a wonderfully harmonious sight.

　　   The Pagoda-Enveloped Tree is on the west side of the temple and is also a gourd-shaped sandstone relief pagoda that is square at the base and round at the top. A banyan tree with a trunk circumference of about one meter grows out from the center of the pagoda. Since the tree is not very old, its shade only covers an area of about ten meters in diameter. The majestic white pagoda wraps the large banyan tree tightly in its center from all sides. A clear spring murmurs nearby, accompanied by monks chanting scriptures, giving visitors a sense of timelessness and serenity.

　　   Both pagodas were built in 1644. Due to the humid climate of Jinggu, birds carried banyan seeds into the cracks of the brickwork of the pagodas. Over time, the seeds took root, sprouted, and grew through the stones. After centuries, they have become the remarkable sight seen today.