Botaihou Pagoda

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xianyang

Botaihou means Grand Empress Bo, which refers to Empress Dowager Bo, mother of Emperor Wen (reigned 202–157 BCE) of the Han dynasty. The pagoda was built on the grounds of Xiangji Temple, which no longer exists. It was constructed during the Tang dynasty (618–907). It was listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site.
The seven-story, square, hollow, brick pagoda is more than 40 m high and each side of the base is 6.5 m long. It is built in imitation of a wooden structure. Wooden stairs inside the structure lead to the roof. The first story is much higher than the other stories. There are arched doorways on the north and south sides of the first story, as well as on alternate sides on the upper stories. Apart from the first story, each story is separated into three bays by brick pilasters. Other elements include architraves, bracket sets supporting a fake platform and imitation balustrades. The eaves consist of corbeling with courses of dogtooth bricks below. Bracket sets are featured beneath the eaves. The roof has been damaged and the spire is missing.