The Pagoda of Fogong Temple: A Timeless Sentinel of Chinese Architecture

Today, we’ll talk about the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a towering masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, where whispers of history, craftsmanship, and spirituality intertwine, standing resilient against centuries of wind, rain, earthquakes, and wars.

Transcript

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple: A Timeless Sentinel of Chinese Architecture

Today, we’ll talk about the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a towering masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, where whispers of history, craftsmanship, and spirituality intertwine, standing resilient against centuries of wind, rain, earthquakes, and wars.

On April 23 of this year, a seminar was held at the School of Architecture of Tsinghua University in Beijing called the AI-Powered Pagoda of Fogong Temple 2.0: Embodied AI Digital Cultural Heritage Upgrade Path Seminar. During the event, the Lenovo Group partnered with Tsinghua University and the Palace Museum Joint Research Center for Cultural Heritage to officially launch Phase 2.0 of the Smart Pagoda of Fogong Temple Project, which aims to explore innovative applications of embodied AI in cultural heritage preservation.

The project was selected as one of the first initiatives under the “Architectural Heritage Value Interpretation Innovation Plan” by the Tsinghua-Palace Museum Joint Research Center. Moving forward, it will further investigate the potential of embodied AI in the protection and development of cultural heritage.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing so many parts of our lives these days, so it should come as no surprise that it is generating excitement in the field of cultural heritage conservation as well. According to an article published in the Chinese Journal of Nature last year, (quote) “AI is fundamentally changing the concepts, methods, and technologies of cultural heritage conservation, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy.” (end quote) As you know, 3D digitization of ancient artifacts and creation of virtual museums is nothing new, but this modern technology takes it to the next level. It can even provide conservationists with early warnings of deterioration, which of course will help with the preservation of ancient architecture.

Now, let’s take a closer look at this AI-powered pagoda.

Nestled in the quiet town of Yingxian, in central China’s Shanxi Province, stands the Pagoda of Fogong Temple, a towering testament to the ingenuity and spiritual devotion of ancient Chinese civilization. Known as the Sakyamuni Pagoda or the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, this architectural marvel has endured nearly a millennium of wind, rain, earthquakes, and wars, yet it remains a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Its history is not just a chronicle of bricks and mortar but a tapestry of human ambition, faith, and artistry.

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple was constructed in 1056 during China’s Liao Dynasty, a period when Buddhism flourished in northern China. The Liao rulers, who were of Khitan ethnicity, were devout Buddhists and patrons of the arts. They sought to create structures that not only would serve as places of worship but also demonstrate their power and piety. The pagoda was commissioned by Emperor Daozong of Liao, who envisioned it as a grand monument to honor the Buddha and to consolidate his dynasty’s spiritual and political authority.

The pagoda’s location in Yingxian was strategic. Situated near the border of the Liao and Song territories, it served as a cultural and religious beacon, attracting pilgrims and scholars from both empires. Its construction was a monumental undertaking, requiring the labor of thousands of craftsmen, carpenters, and artisans. The pagoda was built entirely of wood, without the use of nails, relying instead on intricate interlocking brackets and joints – a technique known as dougong. This method not only showcased the advanced engineering skills of the time but also ensured the structure’s flexibility, allowing it to withstand the region’s frequent earthquakes.

The founder of modern Japanese architecture, Ito Chuta, once compared the Pagoda of Fogong Temple with Japanese wooden pagodas in his book The History of Chinese Architecture, stating: “The extraordinary diversity in the design of bracket sets stems from the richness of artistic conception. Compared to Japan’s monotonous approach, where each layer uses identical bracket sets, the superiority of one over the other needs no further discussion.” 3,000 tons of wooden components interlock to form the pagoda’s structure; 1,500 people can ascend the wooden tower simultaneously, with each pillar on the first level bearing an average load of 110 tons.

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple is a masterpiece of Chinese wooden architecture. Standing at 67.31 meters, it is the tallest wooden pagoda in the world. Its octagonal shape, with five visible exterior stories and four hidden interior levels, reflects the Buddhist cosmology of the Five Elements and the Eightfold Path. Each level is adorned with intricate carvings, painted eaves, and statues of Buddhist deities, creating a visual symphony of art and spirituality.

One of the most remarkable features of the pagoda is its ability to endure natural disasters. Over the centuries, it has survived more than 40 earthquakes, including the devastating 1556 Shaanxi earthquake, which killed over 800,000 people. The pagoda’s resilience is attributed to its flexible wooden structure, which allows it to sway and absorb seismic energy without collapsing. This has earned it the nickname “the Pagoda that Defies Earthquakes.”

Yet in modern times, the Pagoda has endured unprecedented trials. During the warlord conflicts of the 1920s, it suffered devastating damage, struck by over 200 artillery shells – its body still scarred by bullet holes today. The explosions ignited fires, but the flames miraculously died out on their own, leaving the pagoda still standing, a testament to its astonishing resilience. Then in 1936, due to local villagers’ misunderstanding of its structure, they tore down the stabilizing earthen walls within the pagoda’s hidden layers, replacing them with doors and windows. This not only destroyed the original murals but also severely compromised the tower’s load-bearing capacity and structural integrity. As a result, the upper floors now tilt dangerously, with pillars leaning up to 11.3 degrees – more than twice the tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Beyond its architectural significance, the Pagoda of Fogong Temple is a treasure trove of Buddhist art and culture. Inside the pagoda, visitors can find a wealth of statues, murals, and scriptures that reflect the spiritual and artistic achievements of the Liao Dynasty. The central pillar of the pagoda houses a large statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, surrounded by smaller statues of bodhisattvas and arhats. The walls are adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and teachings.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the pagoda is its hidden treasures. In 1974, during a restoration project, workers discovered a sealed chamber within the pagoda’s third floor. Inside, they found a trove of Buddhist relics, including sutras, statues, and ceremonial objects. These artifacts provided valuable insights into the religious practices and artistic styles of the Liao Dynasty, further cementing the pagoda’s status as a cultural landmark.

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple is not just a historical monument; it is also a source of legends and folklore. One popular tale involves the pagoda’s construction. According to legend, the chief carpenter, a man named Yu Hao, was so skilled that he could build the pagoda without using a single nail. However, as the project neared completion, he realized that he had miscalculated the height of the central pillar, leaving it too short to support the roof. Distraught, he contemplated suicide. That night, he had a dream in which a divine figure appeared and told him to place a bronze bowl upside down on top of the pillar. When he awoke, he followed the advice, and the bowl miraculously extended the pillar to the correct height, allowing the pagoda to be completed.

Another legend tells of a mysterious monk who visited the pagoda during a violent storm. As lightning struck the pagoda, the monk raised his hand, and the lightning was deflected, saving the structure from destruction. The locals believed that the monk was a manifestation of the Buddha, protecting the pagoda from harm.

The Pagoda of Fogong Temple has had a profound influence on Chinese architecture and culture. Its innovative use of wooden brackets and joints inspired countless other structures, including the Forbidden City in Beijing. The pagoda’s design also reflects the fusion of Chinese and Central Asian architectural styles, a testament to the cultural exchanges that took place along the Silk Road.

In addition to its architectural impact, the pagoda has played a significant role in the spread of Buddhism in China. As a pilgrimage site, it attracted monks, scholars, and devotees from across the region, fostering the exchange of ideas and teachings. The pagoda’s enduring presence has also made it a symbol of Chinese resilience and cultural continuity, inspiring generations of artists, writers, and historians.

Despite its remarkable durability, the Pagoda of Fogong Temple has not been immune to the ravages of time. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous repairs and restorations, each aimed at preserving its structural integrity and artistic beauty. In recent years, the Chinese government and international organizations have launched extensive conservation projects to protect the pagoda from environmental damage and human activity.

One of the biggest challenges facing the pagoda is the gradual warping and decay of its wooden components. To address this, experts have used advanced technologies, such as 3D scanning and digital modeling, to study the structure and develop preservation strategies. These efforts have not only ensured the pagoda’s survival but also deepened our understanding of ancient Chinese engineering and craftsmanship.

Today, the Pagoda of Fogong Temple stands as a living monument to China’s rich cultural heritage. It is a place where history, art, and spirituality converge, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a sense of connection to the divine. Its towering presence serves as a reminder of the enduring power of human creativity and faith.

As the sun sets over Yingxian, casting a golden glow on the pagoda’s ancient timbers, one cannot help but marvel at the ingenuity and devotion that brought this structure to life. The Pagoda of Fogong Temple is more than just a building; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of a civilization that has weathered the storms of time and emerged stronger for it. In its shadow, we are reminded of the timeless values of beauty, resilience, and reverence that continue to inspire us today.

Well, that’s the end of our podcast. Our theme music is by the famous film score composer Roc Chen. We want to thank our writer Lü Weitao, translator Wang Yuyan, and copy editor Pu Ren. And thank you for listening. We hope you enjoyed it, and if you did, please tell a friend so they, too, can understand The Context.