Recently, the new exhibition "The Universe of Pagodas: Treasures from Yuan'ying Pagoda in Shanghai" at the Shanghai Museum (East Branch) officially opened, giving many citizens and tourists the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of this city. Did you know that there are 13 ancient pagodas in Shanghai, which are precious historical and cultural heritage of Shanghai. Today, let us follow the introduction of the Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism to start a tour of the ancient pagodas in Shanghai and enjoy the stories behind the long years.
Yuan'ying Pagoda (Xi'lin Pagoda)
Standing in the old city of Songjiang, the Yuan'ying Pagoda has a history of more than a thousand years. It is also known as Xi'lin Pagoda because it is located in the Xi'lin Zen Temple. As the tallest existing ancient pagoda in Shanghai, Yuan'ying Pagoda has become one of the symbols of Songjiang Prefecture. It is also the ancient pagoda with the most cultural relics found in Shanghai, and has important historical, cultural, and scientific value.
Xing'shengjiao Temple Pagoda (Square Pagoda)
The Xing'shengjiao Temple Pagoda, also known as the Square Pagoda, is located at the center of Fangta Park in Songjiang. It was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (1068-1093) and has a history of over 900 years. The pagoda is named after the Xing'shengjiao Temple, and its body follows the square brick pagoda design of the Tang Dynasty, hence the nickname "Square Pagoda."
The Square Pagoda is one of the ancient pagodas in China that preserves the most complete Song Dynasty dougong (interlocking wooden brackets) in its restoration. The pagoda retains 177 ancient dougong, of which 63% are from the Song Dynasty.
Li Pagoda
Li Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Songjiang, located in Lita Hui Town (now Shihudang Town). Amidst the bustling town full of shops and merchants, this seven-story pagoda stands quietly, with an ancient and elegant charm. The pagoda, which is over 30 meters tall, has seven tiers and four sides and is made of brick and wood. Inside, a wooden staircase allows visitors to ascend.
Hu Zhu Pagoda
Hu Zhu Pagoda, commonly known as the "Leaning Tower of Tianma Mountain," is located to the right of the middle peak of Tianma Mountain. It was first built in the second year of the Yuanfeng period of the Song Dynasty (1079 AD), with an octagonal shape and a brick-wood structure. The tower is seven stories high, approximately 18.8 meters tall, and its tilt far exceeds that of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.
Xiudao Pagoda
Located on the eastern slope of Mount Xieshan, Xiudao Pagoda, also known as the Moon Shadow Pagoda, was first built during the Taiping Xingguo period of the Northern Song Dynasty (976-984 AD). The pagoda stands approximately 29 meters tall and features a seven-story pavilion-style structure with an octagonal base. It is a typical example of ancient Chinese brick and wood pagodas.
Mao Pagoda
The Mao Pagoda was first built during the Qianfu period of the Tang Dynasty, approximately 1150 years ago. It is an important physical remnant of early Buddhist architecture in the Shanghai area.
In 1997, the Mao Pagoda was declared a "World Lighthouse Heritage" by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities and was included in the World Historical Monuments Lighthouse List.
Wanshou Pagoda
Located in Qingxi Garden, Qingpu, Wanshou Pagoda was built in the eighth year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty (1743). The pagoda is square-shaped, seven stories tall, and built with a combination of brick and wood, making it the youngest ancient pagoda in Shanghai.
Nowadays, Wanshou Pagoda stands gracefully by the water. Below the pagoda in Qingxi Garden, there are pavilions, towers, and winding paths leading to secluded spots, with a gentle breeze passing by, embodying the elegant charm of a typical Jiangnan garden.
Qinglong Pagoda
Qinglong Pagoda, located in Qinglong Village, Baihe Town, Qingpu District, is a ground structure remaining from Qinglong Town, the oldest port in Shanghai. It serves as valuable material for studying the ancient history and architecture of Shanghai.
Huayan Pagoda
Huayan Pagoda is located in Songyin Temple, Tinglin Town, Jinshan District. The temple was built in 1352, and the pagoda was constructed between 1380 and 1384. The pagoda is square-shaped and has seven stories, with a brick and wood structure, reflecting the Tang Dynasty style.
Fahua Pagoda
Also known as Jinsha Pagoda, Fahua Pagoda is situated at the south end of Denglong Bridge (Zhou Bridge) in the center of ancient Jiading city.
Ten years after the construction of Fahua Pagoda, Jiading was officially established as a county. The county town was built around this pagoda, extending along the four main streets in the southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast directions, with Fahua Pagoda as the highest and most central point of the ancient Jiading city.
Nanxiang Temple Brick Pagoda
The Nanxiang Temple Brick Pagoda, standing 11 meters tall, has an eight-sided, seven-layer structure with a pointed top, mimicking wooden architecture but built with grey brick. It is the only surviving building of the original Nanxiang Temple site, dating back to the late Five Dynasties and early Northern Song dynasty, over a thousand years ago.
A major fire during the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty reduced Nanxiang Temple to ruins, leaving only these two brick pagodas standing tall. Despite the damage to their exterior, they remain as picturesque as the "Leifeng Sunset" at West Lake in Hangzhou under the glow of the setting sun.
Longhua Pagoda
Longhua Pagoda is the best-preserved Song dynasty pavilion-style pagoda in the Shanghai area. Ming dynasty scholar Feng Qian praised it as the "Thousand-Year Flying Pagoda," and it is also known as the "Crown of Pagodas" in Shanghai.
The pagoda, constructed with brick and wood, features seven levels and eight sides. Each level has high, curving eaves with wind chimes hanging from the corners. Its posture is grand and majestic, with a beautiful and delicate shape.
(Source: Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, edited by Zhang Xiaojie)
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