Tianning Temple Sansheng Pagoda

CHINA, Henan, Jiaozuo

The pagoda was built on the grounds of Tianning Temple, which no longer exists. The temple was constructed during the Sui dynasty (581–618), while the pagoda was built in 1171 during the Jin dynasty. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
The 13-tier, square, brick pagoda is 32.8 m high. The square base platform is made of stone and is 5.6 m high with a side length of 12.2 m. There is an arched doorway on the south side. Above the platform base there is a Sumeru base followed by the first story of the pagoda. Doorways are on all four sides of the first story with false windows on either side. The eaves on every story are in the form of corbeling, beneath which there is a row of dogtooth bricks. Inside the pagoda there is a central chamber with a spiral staircase. Niches can be found on either side of the stairs. The roof of the pagoda is vaulted. The width and height of each story progressively diminishes, giving the structure a tapered curved shape. The spire consists of stacked rings, a vase, and a jewel. Within the pagoda there are six stone carvings each featuring a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas.
The external features of this pagoda are similar to Tang dynasty (618–907) pagodas; however, the interior structure is more commonly found in Song dynasty (960–1279) pagodas.