Shuixi Pagodas

CHINA, Anhui, Xuancheng

The two pagodas are known as Daguan Pagoda and Xiaofang Pagoda. Daguan Pagoda was constructed in 1108 during the Northern Song dynasty, while Xiaofang Pagoda was constructed in 1161 during the Southern Song dynasty. They were both listed as National Cultural Heritage Sites in 2001.
Both pagodas are made of brick and are constructed in a multi-story tower style. The octagonal Daguan Pagoda measures 45 m high. From the outside it seems to consist of seven stories, but there are twelve stories inside. The chambers of the first and second stories are square but from the third story upwards are octagonal. The eaves are short and consist of corbeling with dogtooth bricks below. They are supported by imitation wooden bracket sets. There are arched doorways on each side. More than 120 brick engravings are inlaid along the interior and exterior surfaces of this pagoda. They provide important information on Buddhist architecture in Anhui during the Southern Song dynasty.
Xiaofang Pagoda is square, has seven stories, and is 21.3 m high. Each story has double eaves made of dogtooth bricks; the upper eaves are straight, while the lower eaves curve downwards. There are ogee arch doorways on each story with open doorways alternating with fake ones. There are numerous Buddha carvings and stele inscriptions on the pagoda.