Yunjie Temple Pagoda

CHINA, Liaoning, Chaoyang

This was originally called Moyun Pagoda. It is located within Yunjie Temple which is situated on Fenghuangshan (Phoenix Mountain). The pagoda was built during the Liao dynasty (907–1125) and was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The 13-tier, solid, brick pagoda is square and is 37 m high. The 1 m high Sumeru base is carved with false doors in the center and warriors at the corners. Above the Sumeru base, there is a series of upturned lotus petals which support the body of the pagoda. The first tier is much higher than the other tiers. There are rounded pilasters at the corners and seated Buddhas at the center. On each side, there is an attendant Bodhisattva, cartouche, and square pagoda. A canopy floats above the Buddha with apsaras located on either side. Apart from the first tier, which has brick bracket sets supporting the eaves, the remaining tiers have corbeling. The spire consists of an upright lotus, an inverted bowl, flame, jewel, canopy, and a finial.