Liaoxi Tower Viewing · Yixian Guangsheng Temple

Guangsheng Temple Stone Pagoda Ticket: 40 RMB Duration: 0.5-1 hour To the east of the ancient city is Fengguo Temple. Moving west along the street, the tall pagoda of Guangsheng Temple rises among a cluster of single-story residential houses. This is a brick pagoda with closely spaced eaves, built in the seventh year of the Qiántǒng era of the Liao Dynasty. We have talked about many ancient pagodas before and have seen many. There are numerous stone pagodas in western Liaoning, with similar ages and styles. In the ancient city, the tall pagoda is a unique geographical landmark. The brick-carved dougong brackets on the base of the pagoda share the same style as those on the main hall of Fengguo Temple, confirming the uniformity of official architectural style during the Liao Dynasty. The pagoda is nearly 40 meters tall, and its thirteen-story body represents the fulfillment of thirteen merits. The eight sides of the pagoda are carved with strongmen, bodhisattvas, and flying apsaras. Although the carvings are severely weathered, the delicate patterns of the bodhisattvas’ necklaces can still be discerned. We arrived at the foot of the pagoda at sunset and looked up. The west side of the pagoda was fully illuminated. At the alley entrance, neighbors were chatting, and people returning from work hurried home on motorcycles. In the twilight, history quiets down, and you and I are but a drop in the vast ocean.