Marvel at the Zhuozhou Twin Towers. These aren’t just any towers. They stand as silent witnesses to history. They are a testament to the architectural prowess of the Liao Dynasty.
The Yong’an Temple Pagoda is one of the Zhuozhou Twin Towers. This remarkable structure located 10 kilometers east of Zhuozhou City stands almost entirely as it was originally built. It’s a rare treasure a Liao Dynasty pagoda that has escaped extensive restoration. Locals affectionately call it ‘Tower Reflecting Tower’.
Picture this octagonal brick pagoda. It soars to a height of 19.1 meters. Its base a Sumeru pedestal 3.5 meters high boasts a circumference of 24.8 meters. Though damaged time has etched its mark on the geometric patterns and floral brick carvings. Intricate details remain. Notice the three layers of large upturned lotus petals carved in brick. These support the pagoda body.
The pagoda body itself is 3.6 meters high. On the south side a niche door stands 2 meters high 1 meter wide and 0.72 meters thick. The words ‘Jie Na Xu Mi’ are inscribed within. Look closely at the other sides. You’ll see brick-carved partition niche doors and blind windows. Above each window are embedded Sanskrit stone carvings only two remain today.
The eaves are a marvel of design. The first layer displays brick-carved dougong. Three sets on each side project from the eaves. Upper layers feature corbelled eaves diminishing in size layer by layer. Imagine the wind chimes that once adorned the original wooden corner beams. They are sadly long gone. The pagoda finial’s shape is lost to time damage having eroded the topmost layer.
While there are no historical documents explicitly mentioning this pagoda its construction techniques and artistic style undeniably align with other Liao Dynasty pagodas in Zhuozhou. This pagoda is particularly notable for its distinctive white Sanskrit stone carvings. These carvings embedded above the straight-lattice windows are a unique feature. The Zhuozhou Twin Towers embody the elegance and skill of Liao Dynasty architecture. They represent a remarkable preservation effort a conscious decision to allow the passage of time to be visible. The Zhuozhou Twin Towers invite us to contemplate the delicate balance between preservation and restoration the enduring legacy of the Liao Dynasty. This is one of the Zhuozhou Twin Towers. A true marvel.