Baoxiang Temple Pagoda

CHINA, Shandong, Jining

The pagoda was built between 1111 and 1118 during the Northern Song dynasty. Due to its yellow color, it is commonly called the Golden Pagoda. It was listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 1977.
The 13-story, octagonal, brick pagoda is 45 m high. On the first story there is a doorway on the north side and arched niches on the south, east, and west sides. There are arched doorways on the sides facing the four cardinal directions on each remaining story. The eaves are supported by brick bracket sets. There is an extra eave on the second and third stories: the lower one is supported by bracket sets, while the upper one has lotus petals beneath it. The spire is shaped like a gourd and decorated with yellow glaze. Inside the pagoda there is a spiral staircase for access to the upper levels.
In 1994, when the pagoda was being repaired, over 140 artifacts were discovered within the underground palace. These artifacts include the relics of the Buddha, as well as gold and silver caskets.