Zhiping Temple Pagoda

CHINA, Hebei, Shijiazhuang

According to stele inscriptions, Zhiping Temple was built in 583 during the Sui dynasty. The pagoda was built in 749 during the Tang dynasty. The temple houses one large and two small stone pagodas, as well as a stone sutra pillar, all dating to the Tang dynasty (618–907). This pagoda was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1996.
The octagonal, stone pagoda is 16.4 m high and is constructed in four sections. The first section stands on a flat base and has an octagonal pyramidal roof. The body has imitation doorways facing the four cardinal directions. The second and third sections are similar but on a reduced scale. The eaves of the first, second and third sections are supported by bracket sets located above the pilasters. Above the eaves there are reliefs of balustrades, clouds, and animal heads. At the base of the fourth section there are upturned lotuses and this section is surmounted by a canopy, which is decorated with reliefs of the Eight Great Events from the Life of the Buddha. Above the canopy there is an upturned lotus followed by a gourd-shaped spire and a jewel. The pagoda is decorated with a rich variety of carvings, reflecting the artistic style of the High Tang period (712–756).