Pagodas of Shuimusi Temple in Xiangyun County, Dali
Overview
The Shuimusi Temple Pagoda (水目寺塔) is located in Shuimusi Mountain (水目山) in the Majiang Township (马街乡) of Xiangyun County (祥云县), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), approximately 20 kilometers from the county seat. Built in the tenth year of the Tian Kai era of the Dali Kingdom (大理国) (1211 AD), the pagoda commemorates Gao Liangcheng’s son, Gao Jiaoyuan (高皎渊).
Architectural Features
The Shuimusi Pagoda is a fifteen-tiered, square solid brick tower with a height of 18.17 meters. It is uniquely surrounded by the temple, which has earned it the nickname “Temple Surrounding Pagoda” (寺抱塔). The base of the first tier features 48 stone pillars, with 20 on each side and 2 at each corner, marking the structure’s historical significance. On May 25, 2006, the pagoda was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Historical Background
The pagoda has undergone several renovations throughout its history, with a significant restoration occurring in the 33rd year of the Wanli era (1605 AD) under the guidance of monk Ru Xiao (如晓) and his followers. According to the “Record of the Restoration of Shuimusi Pagoda,” the renovations greatly enhanced its grandeur. Unfortunately, the pagoda was partially destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, leaving only the main structure and some stone foundations, which have since been restored.
Design and Structure
The pagoda is characterized by its square base and double-layered stone foundation. The first layer is square while the second is octagonal. The east side features an entrance, and colorful murals adorn the southern wall. Each tier has a niche, and the pagoda’s finial consists of a lotus, bowl, and precious top.
The first tier is particularly tall, contributing to the overall height of the structure, and is decorated with 48 stone bases arranged to support the surrounding colonnade, reinforcing its designation as a “Temple Surrounding Pagoda.”
Cultural Significance
The pagoda was established in memory of Gao Jiaoyuan, who became a monk at the age of 21 at Shuimusi Temple. Following his death in 1214 AD, a monument was erected to honor his virtues, thus naming the pagoda after the temple.
Protection Measures
In December 1987, the Yunnan Provincial Government designated the Shuimusi Pagoda as a provincial key cultural relic protection unit. It was later included in the sixth batch of national key cultural relic protection units in May 2006.
How to Get There
The Shuimusi Pagoda is located in Shuimusi Mountain in Xiangyun County. To reach the pagoda:
- From Kunming Changshui International Airport: The distance is approximately 300.8 kilometers, taking about 3 hours and 52 minutes by car.
- From Xiangyun County Town: The distance is about 27.4 kilometers, taking roughly 44 minutes.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant.
- Local Accommodations: Look for hotels or guesthouses in Xiangyun County for convenience.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting the pagoda, be mindful of local customs and practices, especially in religious sites.
- Photography: The pagoda’s unique architecture makes it a great spot for photography, so bring your camera!
