The Quanzhou Twin Pagodas, known as the East Pagoda (Zhenguo Pagoda, 镇国塔) and the West Pagoda (Renshou Pagoda, 仁寿塔), stand as a testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of ancient China. These two pagodas are the highest existing stone pagodas in China and are located within the historic grounds of the Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. The temple itself, with a history spanning over 1,300 years, was established during the Tang Dynasty and covers an expansive area of more than 78,000 square meters. The grandiosity of the Mahavira Hall, the Ganlu Precept Altar, the Sutra Pavilion, and the Twin Pagodas make the temple an exceptional site of ancient Chinese architectural art and charm.
The East Pagoda (Zhenguo Pagoda)
Situated to the east of the Mahavira Hall, the East Pagoda, also known as Zhenguo Pagoda, has a storied history. Originally constructed as a five-story wooden pagoda in 865 during the Tang Dynasty, it underwent several reconstructions and modifications over the centuries. During the Song Dynasty’s Tianxi period (1017-1021), it was expanded to thirteen stories. However, a fire in 1155 led to its destruction, and it was rebuilt as a seven-story brick pagoda in 1227. The final transformation into a stone pagoda began in 1238 under the guidance of the monk Benhong, who constructed the first layer. The subsequent layers were built by the monks Faquan and Tianxi, completing the pagoda in twelve years.
The East Pagoda is an octagonal, multi-eaved structure made of granite, mimicking wooden architecture. It stands at a total height of 48.27 meters (approximately 158 feet) with each of its five main stories showcasing intricate craftsmanship. The structure comprises an outer wall, an outer corridor, an inner corridor, and a central pillar. The central pillar is octagonal and made of stone, connected to the outer walls by horizontal beams and dougong (bracket sets). Each of the four main faces of the pagoda features a door, while the four side faces have niches, adorned with relief sculptures of warriors, heavenly kings, vajras, arhats, deities, and disciples of Buddha, totaling 80 statues across the five stories.
The base of the pagoda is a Sumeru pedestal with a diameter of 18.5 meters and a height of 1.5 meters. It is decorated with 40 panels depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, carved in fine detail from diabase. The overall architectural harmony and artistic excellence of the East Pagoda make it a stunning example of medieval Chinese stone construction.
The West Pagoda (Renshou Pagoda)
To the west of the Mahavira Hall stands the West Pagoda, known as Renshou Pagoda. Originally built between 915 and 920 during the Later Liang Dynasty as a seven-story wooden pagoda named Wuliangshou Pagoda, it was renamed Renshou in 1114 during the Song Dynasty. Like its eastern counterpart, the West Pagoda was destroyed by fire in 1155 and subsequently rebuilt as a brick pagoda. The transition to stone construction began in 1228 and was completed in 1237, ten years before the East Pagoda.
The West Pagoda follows a similar architectural style to the East Pagoda but is slightly smaller, standing at 45.06 meters (approximately 148 feet). Its base measures 2.31 meters in diameter. While it shares the octagonal, multi-eaved structure and granite material, the stone carving on the West Pagoda is relatively simpler. The sculptures, numbering 80, depict various figures in distinct poses, though with less elaborate detail compared to the East Pagoda. The Sumeru pedestal features carvings of flowers, birds, and animals instead of narrative scenes from Buddha’s life.
Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Twin Pagodas of Kaiyuan Temple are treasures of ancient Chinese stone architecture. Their construction reflects the advanced engineering skills and artistic achievements of their time. The pagodas not only symbolize the flourishing socio-economic conditions of Quanzhou during the Song Dynasty but also stand as unique markers of the city’s historical and cultural identity.
