24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
24 Hours Hotline: +86 137-3541-1378
Email:[email protected]
Introdution
The Songjiang Square Pagoda or Songjiang Fangta, officially the Xingshengjiao Temple Pagoda, is a Buddhist pagoda in the old town of Songjiang in suburban Shanghai.
Originally built in the 11th century, it is the only structure remaining from the Xingshengjiao Temple, and is now enclosed in the Fangta Park. The 9-story pagoda is 48.5 meters (159 ft) tall, and has become Songjiang's most famous landmark.
History & Background
The pagoda was built between 1068 and 1077, when Songjiang was the largest city in the Shanghai region, a prosperous stop on the Grand Canal between Hangzhou and Suzhou. Each side of the ground floor is about 6 meters (20 ft) long and its nine stories reach 48.5 meters (159 ft) high. It formed part of Songjiang's Xingshengjiao Temple, originally established in 949 but now completely destroyed. Its Northern Song style has not changed despite renovations under the Ming and Qing and, more recently, in the mid- to late-1970s. In 1974, its first-floor staircase was restored.
In 1974 or 1975, a brick vault was discovered under the pagoda during renovations. It was the tomb of the 11th-century monk Miaoyuan (??) whose ashes—as was common of other masters during the Northern Song—had been placed within the hollow belly of the enlightened Buddha to serve as an object of veneration. The bronze reclining Buddha was 42 centimeters (17 in) long and more than 25 kilograms (55 lb). Two elephant teeth and seven relic beads were placed neatly nearby in two silver cases. The Buddha and the silver cases had been stored in a lacquer case, which had been placed in a larger stone one and then stored in an undecorated crypt.
The Square Pagoda is the centerpiece of the modern city's Fangta Park, which was organized in 1980 by Feng Jizhong as one of the first re?ssertions of the importance of traditional Chinese architecture after the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. It was added to Shanghai's nationally-protected sites (as No. 83-5) in 1986 and is now Songjiang's most famous landmark.
Architecture
Made of wood and bricks, the nine-story, 42.5-meter-high square pagoda features the architectural style of brink pagodas of the Tang Dynasty. Many parts of the building are original from the Song Dynasty. The pagoda today is surrounded by a "classical garden," which is dotted with bridges, pavilions and stone formations.
Information
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00
Address: No. 235, Middle Zhongshan Rd., Songjiang District
Transportation: take special tourist bus to Square Pagoda at Songjiang bus station or Jinjiang Leyuan subway station
Admission Fee: CNY 12
Others: Best Visiting Time: Spring & Summer
Prev: Yangshan Port
Duration：6-8 Hours
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Duration：10 - 12 hours
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Duration：2 Days, 1 Night
Attractions(Cities)：The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Old French Concession, Yuyuan Bazaar & Snack Street, Disneyland Park
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Duration：5 Days, 4 Nights
Attractions(Cities)：Hangzhou: Westlake, Lingyin Temple, Leifeng Pagoda, Longjing Tea Village... Suzhou:Lingering Garden, Hanshan Temple, Tongli Water Town
Tour Style："Above there is heaven, below are Suzhou and Hangzhou." This carefully designed 5-day Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou tour offers a private, seamless way to explore these iconic cities from Shanghai. Breaking through language barriers with a knowledgeable guide and private vehicle, you’ll experience the beauty and tranquility of West Lake, admire the intricate designs of classical Chinese gardens, and gain insights into the unique history and culture of the region. This Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou itinerary includes immersive experiences that bring you closer to the local people and traditions, enriching your appreciation of these timeless destinations. A truly memorable journey awaits, filled with breathtaking scenery and a deep dive into Chinese heritage!
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