The majestic East and West Pagodas stand as a symbol and the pride of ancient Quanzhou City. Rising up before the Ziyun Hall in the Kaiyuan Temple, they remain intact after dozens of severe earthquakes in the course of the thousands of years, and deserv the title of the pearl of architecture in China.
The East Pagode is named Zhengguo, and the West Renshou, meaning "nation-protecting"and "merits and longvity" respectively. The riginal pagodas were built of wood and later changed into brick, and then in the Southern Song Dynasty changed again into stone ones, what are seen today. From the base to the top, the whole pagodas are covered with exquisitely carved, vivid relief sculptures. Each of the octagonal pagodas has five storeys and upturned eaves. On each storey, there are warriors standing on both sides of the niches. Following the steps inside the pagodas, one can climb up t each storey and enjoy a delightful bird's-eye-view of whole Quanzhou City. |
