Lizhou Pagoda

　　Lizhou Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of Jingyan Chan Temple, stands within the Ancient Pagoda Branch Campus of the Mongolian High School in Kazuo County. Constructed in the fifth year of the Xianyong era during the Liao Dynasty (1069 AD), the pagoda stands 34.1 meters tall and is an octagonal, closely 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, as well as included in the "Dictionary of Scenic Spots in China."

　　Approaching the pagoda, the first things that catch your eye are two ancient locust trees with lush foliage and dense shade. Passing the locust trees and looking up at the ancient pagoda, you will often see flocks of swallows fluttering 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. Especially as exam season approaches, worshippers flock to the pagoda from all directions to pay devout homage.

　　The body of the ancient pagoda is an equilateral octagon, with each side of the base measuring 5 meters. The base, built from stone slabs, rises 6 meters above the ground. The lower two levels of the pagoda form the main body and feature a hollow, pavilion-style design. Above that are seven solid, closely eaved stories with very slight tapering—an uncommon 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 in color, and the overall structure presents a contrast of grey and white. The upper part features six tiers of overlapping eaves, beneath which runs a band of square brick reliefs depicting the "Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars." Above the reliefs are lotus pedestals, each supporting—apart from the front—three brick-carved lions per side that carry the terrace. The terrace supports the first level of the pagoda body. On the southern side is an arched doorframe, both inside and out, flanked by stone steles inscribed with the characters “万古” (Everlasting) and “流芳” (Fragrant Legacy) in regular script. The east, west, and north sides have false doors, beside which are fierce-looking, armor-clad, sword-wielding guardian statues carved in relief, exuding an imposing aura. The remaining four sides feature carvings of the Eight Great Guardians, rendered with vivid expressiveness. The second level of the pagoda body is guarded by eight guardian statues at the four doors, similar to those on the first level. Additionally, there are eight bodhisattva reliefs with kind expressions and varying postures, adding a sense of warmth and reverence to the ancient pagoda. The seven closely eaved levels above the pagoda body are adorned with projecting eaves supported by carved brick brackets, with floral designs between the brackets. The pagoda is crowned with a spire-shaped top, with an exposed iron steeple at the center. The inner core of the pagoda is hollow all the way to the top. The first-level chamber is octagonal, with a square opening at the center of the ceiling leading to the second-level chamber, which is square and also has a square opening at its ceiling center that goes straight to the top of the pagoda.

　　Source: Tourism Bureau of Harqin Left Wing Mongolian Autonomous County