Nan’an Temple Pagoda

CHINA, Hebei, Zhangjiakou

Nan’an stands for Southern Peace. Based on its style and features, the pagoda was built during the Liao dynasty (907–1125). Repairs were made to it in 1706 during the Qing dynasty. It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2001.
This 13-tier, octagonal, solid brick pagoda measures 32.1 m in height. The sides of the platform base measure 2.5 m. Each side of the pagoda base is decorated with engravings of either animal heads or flowers. A row of eaves decorates the edge of the base. Directly above the eaves there is a ring of lotus petals which supports the rest of the pagoda. The first tier is much higher than the other tiers. It has false doors with arches above, alternating with false lattice windows. Pilasters in the shape of pagodas can be found at each corner. The eaves are supported by imitation wooden bracket sets. The eaves on the rest of the tiers are in the form of corbeling. Wind chimes hang from each of the corners. The spire consists of an upright lotus, an inverted bowl, stacked rings, and jewels.