The Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple

　　Originally behind the pagodas stood Guangjiao Temple, commonly known as the “Twin Pagoda Temple,” which has now been destroyed. Based on an examination of the architectural features of the pagodas and inscriptions preserved in the stones within the towers, it is estimated that the Twin Pagodas were built in the third year of Shaosheng during the reign of Emperor Zhezong of the Northern Song Dynasty (1096).

　　Both pagodas have seven stories and are approximately 20 meters tall, with square bases. The east pagoda measures 2.65 meters on each side, while the west pagoda measures 2.35 meters on each side. The pagodas are constructed of brick with wooden framework. Except for the ground floor, which has doors on three sides, all upper levels have doors on all four sides. They feature half-timbered eaves and wooden floors, but no central pillars or other decorations. Originally, the pagoda bodies were adorned with many Buddha bricks, most of which are now severely damaged. Only the four pairs of Buddha figures on the fifth floor of the east pagoda remain well-preserved. Each side of the pagoda is divided into three sections by engaged columns, with a round archway in the center and round corner pillars featuring “entasis” and “inclined footings.” On the lintel above each section, there is one intercalary bracket set with a single projecting bracket arm. On the second floor, two central pillars are positioned directly beside the intercalary bracket sets. The pagodas originally had finials, but these no longer exist. The interior space of each pagoda is relatively small, and wooden staircases connect the different levels. The inner walls of the second floor of both pagodas house stone carvings of the “Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva Dhāraṇī Sutra” by Su Shi, a renowned literary figure of the Northern Song Dynasty. The stones are rectangular, inscribed in regular script, framed with brick borders, and signed at the end: “Written and dedicated to the Venerable Monk Moshang of Guangjiao Temple in Xuancheng by Huangzhou Vice Commander of Militia and Imperial Literary Scholar Su Shi from Meiyang on the 27th day of the second month in the fourth year of Yuanfeng.” The postscript reads: “Re-carved and published in the first month of the third year of Shaosheng at the Lengyan Lecture Hall of Yueming Temple, Wannling, by Xu Huaiyi, to promote good deeds among all beings.” Yuanfeng was the reign title of Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, with the fourth year corresponding to 1080; Shaosheng was the reign title of Emperor Zhezong, with the third year being 1096—thus, the approximate date of the pagodas’ construction.

　　The architectural style of the Twin Pagodas of Guangjiao Temple follows the square-floor plan technique of the Tang Dynasty, which is very rare among the ancient pagodas still existing in China. Although the current structures show signs of damage, they retain their original appearance from the Northern Song Dynasty. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)