Cishou Ta (Pagoda of Benevolence and Longevity) 慈壽塔.

Photographer

Welch, Holmes

Date

• ca. 1957-ca. 1964

Summary

• The Cishou Ta (Pagoda of Benevolence and Longevity) 慈壽塔 is situated outside of Fucheng Men (Fucheng Gate) 阜成門, west of Beijing 北京. The Cishou Si (Temple of Benevolence and Longevity) 慈壽寺 was built in 1576 during the Ming 明 Dynasty. Now only the pagoda remains. It is octagonal, solid, over fifty meters tall with thirteen tiers of eaves, decorated with relief sculptures of Buddha, flying apsarases, vajra guardians, archways, lotus petals, eight treasures, and musical instruments. The refined carving depicts the rich variety of musical instruments of the Ming Dynasty and is very valuable.