A relic of a bygone era stands before you. This is the pagoda at Xingshengjiao Temple a testament to Shanghai’s rich history. It’s the only structure left from the original temple. Imagine the bustling activity of the 11th century. Songjiang was then the largest city in the Shanghai region. A thriving hub along the Grand Canal it connected Hangzhou and Suzhou. This pagoda was built between 1068 and 1077. Its nine stories reach 48.5 meters high. Each side of the ground floor is about 6 meters long.
The pagoda at Xingshengjiao Temple has witnessed centuries of change. It’s seen renovations under the Ming and Qing dynasties. More recently it underwent restoration in the mid- to late 1970s. The Northern Song style remains largely unchanged. Even today its architectural style remains impressive. During renovations in 1974 a remarkable discovery was made. A brick vault was found under the pagoda. Inside lay the tomb of Miaoyuan an 11th-century monk. His ashes rested within a bronze reclining Buddha. This was a common practice for venerated Buddhist masters of the Northern Song. The Buddha was 42 centimeters long weighing over 25 kilograms. Two elephant teeth and seven relic beads were found nearby. They were neatly placed in two silver cases.
The pagoda at Xingshengjiao Temple wasn’t just discovered during this time. It became the centerpiece of Fangta Park in 1980. Feng Jizhong organized the park. It was one of the first projects to revive traditional Chinese architecture after the Cultural Revolution. In 1996 the pagoda was added to Shanghai’s nationally-protected sites. It is now Songjiang’s most famous landmark a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage. As you stand before the pagoda at Xingshengjiao Temple think of the stories it holds. It’s a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history. A connection to Shanghai’s past its enduring spirit. A symbol of faith a beacon of peace. This pagoda at Xingshengjiao Temple reminds us of time’s passage and the lasting power of tradition.