Did you know that Shanghai’s oldest above-ground structure stands right here before you? It is the magnificent Songjiang Tangjing Building. This ancient pagoda whispers tales of the Tang Dynasty.
Let’s step back in time to the year 859 AD. It was the 13th year of the Tang Dynasty’s Dazhong era. During this time the Songjiang Tangjing Building emerged. A local man named Li Kan built it. He dedicated it to his deceased parents and younger brother.
Originally, the Songjiang Tangjing Building was a family tomb pagoda. Its purpose was to bring them blessings. Over a thousand years have passed. The Songjiang Tangjing Building has witnessed the changes of this land.
Look closely at the pagoda’s structure. Notice its octagonal shape on most levels. The Songjiang Tangjing Building stands 9.3 meters tall. It features 21 tiers made of stone. Each level boasts intricate carvings. You can see sea纹 patterns and lotus flowers. There are also celestial kings and crouching lions. The artistry is breathtaking.
Interestingly, local legend tells a different story. Some say the Songjiang Tangjing Building was built to suppress a sea eye. This sea eye caused constant flooding. Others believe it was built to subdue a black carp spirit.
Centuries of weather took their toll. By the modern era only the pagoda’s base remained visible. Cracks and damage marred its surface. In 1963, a restoration project began. Workers discovered ancient coins during the repairs. These coins included Kaiyuan Tongbao and Qian Yuan Zhongbao.
In 1988, the Songjiang Tangjing Building gained recognition. It became a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. This designation ensures its preservation for future generations. The Songjiang Tangjing Building stands as a testament to ancient artistry. It is a reminder of Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the Songjiang Tangjing Building’s beauty. Let it transport you back to the Tang Dynasty.