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Dharani Sutra Pillar in Zhaozhou [hebgc.com] |
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- Location: Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province
Located at the crossroads of South Street and Shita Road, Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province, Dharani Sutra Pillar (赵州陀罗尼经幢) was built in the fifth year of Jingyou reign (1038 AD) in the Northern Song Dynasty.
It is 18 meters high, octagonal in shape and has seven storeys. It is the oldest and tallest surviving stone pillar in China. Dharani Sutra Pillar stands on a 1.5 meters tall base, which is carved with various kinds of pictures, including depictions of various gods. Storeys one to three are carved with Dharani Sutra. Others are carved with Buddhist figures, flowers and animals. The construction of the pillar is elegant and solemn, fully demonstrating the glorious and exquisite nature of Song Dynasty carvings.
Travel Tips:
- Hours: All day
- Admission: free
- How to get there: take bus No.35 from Shijiazhuang Railway Station to Nanjiao Bus Station and then take a bus to Zhaoxian County.