Miaojue Temple Relic Pagoda

CHINA, Hebei, Handan

This pagoda is also called Wu’an Relic Pagoda. According to historical records, it was built during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127). It has been renovated a number of times, and was listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 1982.
The 13-tier, octagonal, brick pagoda is around 40 m high. The first and second tiers are higher but each subsequent tier is smaller than the one below. Arched doorways are located on the sides facing the four cardinal directions on each tier, while false windows can be found on the remaining sides of the second and fourth tiers. There are extra levels just below the second and third tiers. The eaves are short and covered in cylindrical tiles with brick bracket sets supporting them. An octagonal central pillar is located inside the pagoda. There are stairs between the pillar and the wall. Buddha niches can be found on various parts of the central pillar.