Kaiyuan Temple Twin Pagodas

CHINA, Fujian, Quanzhou

The pagodas stand within the grounds of Kaiyuan Temple and are about 200 m apart. The one in the east is called Country Guarding Pagoda and was built in 865 during the Tang dynasty. Originally the pagoda was a simple five-story wooden structure, but between 1238 and 1250 during the Southern Song dynasty, a stone pagoda was built in its place. The one in the west is called the Pagoda of Benevolence and Longevity and was built in 916 during the Five Dynasties period. It also started off as a wooden structure until sometime between 1228 and 1237, when it was also rebuilt in stone. They are considered to be the largest pair of stone pagodas in China.
Both stone pagodas are octagonal and have five stories. They are built in imitation of timber structures. The Country Guarding Pagoda is 48.2 m high. It has a veranda, outer wall, chamber, and central pillar. The central pillar is octagonal and solid. It runs all the way up to the roof, making it the main support for the whole structure. The pagoda stands on a Sumeru base, which has been decorated with more than 40 reliefs of the life of Sakyamuni Buddha. The eaves curve upwards and a copper bell is attached to each corner. On every story four doors alternate with four niches. High reliefs of warriors, Vajrapani, and Arhats are located on either side of the doorways. The walls are decorated with about 80 engravings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and heavenly beings. Eight chains link the corners of the roof to the gilded, gourd-shape spire.
The Pagoda of Benevolence and Longevity is slightly shorter than its counterpart at 44.1 m, but is otherwise almost identical. The most unique reliefs depicted on this pagoda’s walls are a bearded Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and a monkey-like disciple.