Linji Temple Chengling Pagoda

CHINA, Hebei, Shijiazhuang

Chengling Pagoda stands on the site of Linji Temple, which no longer exists. The temple was founded in 540 during the Eastern Wei dynasty. When Master Linji Yixuan passed away in 867 during the Tang dynasty, his disciples constructed this pagoda to enshrine his robe and bowl. It underwent major reconstruction in 1185 during the Jin dynasty, and has been repaired a number of times. Its spire was destroyed during an earthquake in 1966 and was repaired in 1985. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
The nine-tier, solid, octagonal, brick pagoda is 30.5 m high. It stands on a two-tier octagonal base platform. It has a Sumeru throne base, the concave part of which is decorated with carvings of flowers and birds with imitation wooden bracket sets above. Imitation balustrades surround the body with three-tier upturned lotuses above. The walls facing the four cardinal directions have false doors with a tympanum above, while the other walls have false floral-lattice windows. Round pilasters are located at each corner with architraves connecting them. The eaves on every tier are supported by imitation bracket sets. The spire consists of a harmika, upturned lotuses, an inverted bowl, stacked rings, a canopy, a horizontal crescent moon, and jewels.