Chinese pagodas

Chinese pagodas are a traditional part of Chinese architecture, introduced form India along with Buddhism as protective structures for Buddhist relics. In addition to religious use, since ancient times Chinese pagodas have been praised ofr the spectacular views which they offer, and many famous poems in Chinese history attest to the joy of scaling pagodas.

Most Chinese pagodas are connected to the Buddhist tradition in China. The earliest were built in the first century AD, when Buddhism was introduced to China from India. Some were built for feudal rulers to commune with the “immortals” who were believed to live in the clouds. Others housed religious artifacts and relics.

The best example of these Buddihism pagodas is perhaps the imposing Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi’an, Shanxi Province. This pagoda has seven storeys, about 64.1 meters high, it is of wood-and-brick structure. It was built in the mid-seventh century to house Buddhist Scriptures brought from India by the monk, XuanZang, the famous Tang Dynasty pilgrim traveler and scholar collected more than 600 volumes of scriptures and later translated them into Chinese. The wild goose pagoda is an architectural masterpiece and remains intact and in good condition, notwithstanding 1.300 years of weathering and a very strong earthquake.

Chinese characterization

Chinese pagodas come in various shapes and sizes-some look like towers, others like pavilions, still others like pyramids

Chinese pagodas may be square, polygonal or circular with each story separated by projecting roofs or eaves. A typical pagoda has three main elements: the underground hall, the platform  and the body. The underground hall usually housed sacred relics, books and paintings. The platform may be a simple structure, or it may be elaborated decorated. The shaft or the main part of the pagoda may be either solid or hollow. A spiral stairway sometimes leads up through this central shafe. Images of the Buddha are usually carved on the outside walls. Pagodas’ foofs are often crowned with ornate carvings or studded with jewels