Multi-Treasure Pagoda

The Multi-Treasure Pagoda is a 5-storeyed quadrangular pagoda which is completely made of stones from Taihu Lake in

Jiangsu Province. The pagoda is 18 meter high. The lower part is a huge platform encircled by stone balustrades.

On the platform is the pedestal of the pagoda, also made of stone and surrounded by balustrades. The three storeys of the pagoda have a Sumeru base. Different from most other pagodas, roiled balconies substitute for eaves. The steeple is a box-shaped stupa, the four corners of which are in the shape of four banana leaves. The four sides of the pagoda have carved images of Buddha and niches. The platform below the pagoda also has carved images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Buddhist devotees, demonstrating excellent craftsmanship. A statue of Guanyin, portrayed like a dainty girl with a charming and cordial expression, merits particular attention. The statues of eighteen arhats, each with a different posture and facial expression, are also regarded as outstanding works of art.

The Multi-Treasure Pagoda is located on the east side of Haiyin Pool, southeast of Puji Temple. It was built in charge of monk Yuzhong during the years 1333-1334 of emperor Yuantong of the Yuan dynasty. It has been rebuild in 1592.

The Multi-Treasure Pagoda is regarded as a rare treasure among China's ancient pagodas because of its unique form, exquisite carvings and well-preserved state. It is the only stone pagoda built in the Yuan Dynasty in Zhejiang province and is also know as Prince's Tower. It is one of the three treasures of Putuoshan.

For information or reservation call or send an e-mail to Chen Zhongyu ((0580)6091227) in Putuoshan.

This page is made by Anthony Debyser. For comment on this page send an e-mail to adebyser@hotmail.com