Where can you find a silent witness to centuries of Beijing’s history? That’s easy. It’s the Pagoda of Cishou Temple, also known as the Pagoda of Benevolence and Longevity.
Hello everyone. Welcome. Today, we’re standing before a remarkable structure. This is the Pagoda of Cishou Temple. It stands tall in Beijing’s Haidian District. Originally called Yong’anwanshou Pagoda, this octagonal pagoda boasts thirteen tiers of eaves.
The Pagoda of Cishou Temple has a rich history. It dates back to the Ming Dynasty. In 1576, Emperor Zhuyi built Cishou Temple for his mother, Empress Dowager Li. The pagoda was part of this temple complex. It was designed to mimic the Tianning Temple pagoda. But it was built on a grander scale.
Imagine this area in its prime. The temple was destroyed during the Qing Dynasty. Yet, the pagoda survived. It became a solitary landmark. Locals began calling it Balizhuang Pagoda or Linglong Pagoda.
Look closely at the pagoda’s base. You’ll see a Sumeru pedestal. It is adorned with detailed relief sculptures. These include Buddhas, flying apsarases, and vajra guardians. Also present are archways, lotus petals, and the Eight Treasures.
Notice the musical instruments carved above the pedestal. These carvings depict the sheng, xiao, qin, and se. Also shown are yunban, gongs, drums, and flutes. These refined carvings showcase Ming Dynasty musical instruments. They offer invaluable insight into the era’s rich culture.
The pagoda’s first story reflects the Liao and Kin dynasties’ multi-eaved style. False arches face the four cardinal directions. False windows fill the other four sides. Cloud and dragon patterns adorn the arch headpieces. Clay sculptures of vajra guardians flank the arches.
Yong’anwanshou Pagoda is inscribed on the southern arch’s stone headpiece. Above the first story, thirteen levels of eaves ascend. A pedestal with lotus petals supports the steeple. It is topped with a precious bead.
The Pagoda of Cishou Temple has undergone several restorations. Qing Emperor Hongli ordered renovations in 1757. In 1989, further repairs were carried out. The pagoda was listed as a Beijing Municipal Cultural Relic in 1957. In 2013, it became a National Key Cultural Relic.
Local residents often call it Linglong Pagoda because Linglong Park was built around it in 1989. The park’s creation aimed to protect the pagoda. It beautified the Jingmi 引水渠 canal’s banks.
In 1988, thieves stole four Ming Dynasty copper Buddhas from the pagoda. These were later recovered.
Today, the Pagoda of Cishou Temple stands as a testament to Beijing’s enduring heritage. It connects us to the Ming Dynasty. It reminds us of the ebb and flow of history. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and resilience. It is a treasure in the heart of Beijing.