Yuantong Temple Stupa

CHINA, Gansu, Zhangye

Considered to be an important Tibetan stupa situated along the Hexi Corridor, it was constructed during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) and renovated during the 17th century. The temple has since been destroyed with only the stupa still left standing. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
This brick and earth stupa has a height of 23.4 m. Its base measures 17 m on each side and is 2 m high. The base consists of three Sumeru thrones stacked on top of one another. At the top of the base there is a small stupa located at each corner. The body of the stupa is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Above the stupa body there is a circular Sumeru throne with 20 Buddha niches at regular intervals. The niches contain bronze Vajrayana Buddhas or Bodhisattva statues. The spire consists of 13 stacked rings surmounted by a round wooden canopy. Thirty-six iron tassels with wind chimes attached hang from the edge of the canopy. The finial is made from black-glazed porcelain and is in the shape of a vase.