Shuanglin Iron Pagoda

　　The Shuanglin Iron Pagoda was cast in the second year of the Guangshun era (952 AD) during the Later Zhou Dynasty of the Five Dynasties period by Zhu Hongji at Shuanglin Temple at the foot of Yunhuang Mountain. Originally, there were two pagodas, both octagonal with five tiers, built in a wooden-style, pavilion-style structure. One of them was destroyed in war. The remaining one now has only two tiers left, standing at a height of

　　2.15 meters. The surrounding eight sides are enclosed by cast iron railings, and the body of the pagoda is adorned with patterns such as human figures, birds and beasts, Buddhist motifs, flowers, and water waves. These images are vivid and lifelike. Except for some areas affected by rust, the exterior remains black and shiny.

　　Currently, only three eaves and two tiers remain, standing approximately 2.20 meters tall. The first tier has doors on four sides and nine Buddha statues on each of the other four sides. The second tier features twelve Buddha statues on each side. The columns on each tier are decorated with coiled dragons, and the base is adorned with cast railings, all crafted with great precision. Surviving examples of railings from the Five Dynasties period are rare, making this one extremely precious.

　　The pagoda’s eaves are gently sloped, and beneath them are double-tiered brackets with simple arches. The spandrel panels feature Buddha statues, with a total of 32 across the eight sides. The Sumeru pedestal is decorated with human figures, auspicious beasts, flowers, pavilions, and mountain peaks and waves symbolizing the "Nine Mountains and Eight Seas." The Shuanglin Iron Pagoda is the only iron pagoda in Zhejiang Province and showcases high-level casting craftsmanship.