Feiying Pagoda (飞英塔), one of the three marvels of Huzhou, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture. This octagonal, seven-story pagoda is unique for its “tower within a tower” design, consisting of an inner stone pagoda and an outer brick-and-wood structure. The pagoda’s history, intricate design, and cultural significance make it a captivating site for historians, architects, and visitors alike.
The construction of the inner stone pagoda began during the late Tang Dynasty, from 884 to 894 AD. The outer pagoda, designed to encase and protect the stone tower, was initially constructed during the Northern Song Dynasty and underwent significant renovations in the Southern Song period. This dual construction gives Feiying Pagoda its distinctive and rare architectural feature.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Feiying Pagoda
- Vlog about Feiying Pagoda
- Other Attractions in Huzhou Urban Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 0.5 – 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 23 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 19.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0572-2024485 |
Location and Transportation
Feiying Pagoda is located within Feiying Park at No. 155 Taxia Street, Wuxing District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. To get there, you can take bus 5 or 60 and get off at Feiying Park Stop (飞英公园站).
Highlights of Feiying Pagoda
Exquisite Design of the Inner and Outer Pagodas
The inner pagoda is a five-story, octagonal structure made of over 100 pieces of finely carved blue-gray Taihu stone. Standing 15 meters tall, not including the spire, the stone tower sits on a Sumeru pedestal, which is the masterpiece of the pagoda’s stone carvings. The pedestal is adorned with a lively array of lion sculptures, each intricately detailed and seemingly ready to leap out from the stone.
Each of the five levels of the inner pagoda follows a similar architectural design, with slight variations in size. On the four main faces of each level, large niches house grand Buddha statues, while the other four faces feature smaller Buddha carvings. The eaves of the pagoda are decorated with detailed carvings, including brackets, rafters, eaves tiles, water spouts, and ridge beasts. Unfortunately, the top of the inner pagoda has been destroyed, leaving it at a current height of 14.55 meters.
The outer pagoda, constructed in the Northern Song Dynasty and renovated in the Southern Song Dynasty, is a seven-story octagonal structure that stands 55 meters tall. This structure is built of brick and wood, featuring a hollow interior with cantilevered staircases and balconies. Each level has eaves and flat balconies that offer panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Legend and Cultural Significance
According to historical records, during the Xiantong period (860–874 AD) of the Tang Dynasty, a monk named Yun Jiao traveled to Chang’an, where he received seven relics (sacred remains of the Buddha) and an image of King Asoka feeding a tiger. Upon returning, Yun Jiao constructed the stone pagoda to house these relics, which was completed in 894 AD and named the Relic Stone Pagoda of Shangcheng Temple.
The name “Feiying Pagoda” (Flying Radiance Pagoda) is derived from a Buddhist phrase meaning “the flying wheel of the relics radiates light.” This name was given during the Northern Song Dynasty when the outer pagoda was added to protect the inner stone tower. The pagoda also lent its name to the temple, which became known as Feiying Pagoda Temple.
In 1150, during the Southern Song Dynasty, the pagoda was struck by lightning and burned, but the sacred relics remained unharmed. This event led to the immediate reconstruction of the stone pagoda, with inscriptions on the stone still bearing the date “Shaoxing 24th Year” (1154). The outer pagoda was also rebuilt in the early Southern Song period, around 1234, and has since undergone numerous repairs during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
