Dazu North Pagoda

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu

The structure, also known as the Prabhutaratna Pagoda or White Pagoda, is located on Beishan (North Mountain), approximately 2 km from Dazu City. From the architectural style, inscriptions, and stone carvings, experts conclude that it was probably constructed during the rule of Emperor Gaozong (reigned 1127–1162) of the Southern Song dynasty.
This multi-story, octagonal, brick pagoda is 33 m high. The sides of the base are 3.6 m long. From the outside, the pagoda seems to have 12 stories but internally there are only eight stories. On the south side of the first story there is a doorway to a chamber where there are stairs leading to the roof. From the second story upwards, there are arched doorways on the sides facing the four cardinal directions. The pagoda houses stone sculptures and reliefs located on the central pillar and walls. They depict subjects such as the Amitabha Buddha Triad, Avatamsaka Triad, Sakyamuni Buddha, Manjusri Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Cintamanicakra Bodhisattva, and the Fifty-Three Visits of Sudhana.