Towering before us stands the Zhou Jixiang Pagoda a silent witness to centuries of history. It is located in Fangshan District Beijing near Shangfang Mountain. Built during the Ming Dynasty this octagonal seven-story pagoda is a testament to a powerful bond.
Let’s delve into the story of Zhou Jixiang Pagoda. This pagoda’s construction began during the reign of Emperor Hongzhi. It reaches approximately eighteen meters high. The pagoda base uses white marble. Its design features carved flowers and figures. Each corner of the pagoda has brick-carved pillars. The main side has brick double-leaf false doors with inscriptions.
Zhou Jixiang a monk also known as Yun Duan held a unique position. He was the half-brother of Empress Dowager Zhou. She was the mother of Emperor Yingzong. Zhou Jixiang embraced Buddhism early in life. Later he became the abbot of Dajue Temple.
Empress Dowager Zhou tried to persuade him to return to secular life. He refused. Seeing his devotion she built Daci’en Temple for him. She appointed him as its first abbot. He also became the Left Good Man of the Monk Record Department.
After Zhou Jixiang’s death two pagodas were built. One stands southwest of Dajue Temple. The other is right here the Zhou Jixiang Pagoda. It is believed that this Zhou Jixiang Pagoda is a symbolic burial. The other one is the real tomb.
Why build a symbolic tomb? The location is strategically chosen. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides. A stream flows in front of it. This location was selected to enable the monks of Shangfang Mountain to worship Zhou Jixiang.
The pagoda faces south. Its brick and stone structure has stood the test of time. The base is made of Han white jade. The pagoda tower has brick carvings. These show floral patterns and human figures.
Each level of the Zhou Jixiang Pagoda features a unique design. Copper bells hang from the corners. The pagoda’s spire is adorned with brick-carved lotus flowers. Originally two stone tablets stood in front of the Zhou Jixiang Pagoda. These tablets recorded Zhou Jixiang’s life. One tablet was destroyed in 1966. These tablets are important for understanding the history.
Zhou Jixiang’s influence extends beyond this pagoda. He was associated with Dajue Temple and Huguo Temple. Though he did not significantly impact Ming Dynasty history these sites remain as cultural relics linked to his life.
As we stand before the Zhou Jixiang Pagoda remember its connection to a powerful empress and her devoted brother. This pagoda is a reminder of faith family and the enduring legacy of a Ming Dynasty monk. It was listed as a cultural preservation site in Beijing in 1995. This ensures that its legacy will endure for generations.