Xilin Temple Pagoda

CHINA, Jiangxi, Jiujiang

The pagoda is also known as the Thousand Buddhas Pagoda. It was built between 713 and 741 during the Tang dynasty. It underwent major reconstruction in 1381 during the Ming dynasty. It was repaired again in 1988. It is listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site.
The seven-story, hexagonal, brick pagoda is 40 m high and hollow inside. There are doors on the north and south sides of the first story, with the main door facing south. The sides of the pagoda are adorned with either Buddha niches, light niches, or with vertical bar windows. On every story there are three-tier bracket sets supporting the eaves, with the corners of the eaves slightly upturned. The pilasters are rounded. The tip of the jutting bracket arm is very similar to chrysanthemum petals and is unusual. The beams, columns, and arched doorways are all in imitation of a wooden structure. The foundations have slightly sunk into the ground and cracks have started to appear. The pagoda has developed a slight tilt to one side.