Chigang Pagoda

Chigang Pagoda (Chinese: 赤岗塔; pinyin: Chì​gǎng​ tǎ​; literally ""Red mound pagoda"") is a famous pagoda located in Chigang district. ^[1] The pagoda is located in Guangzhou, Haizhu District, Guangdong province, China.

History

Chigang Pagoda was built over four hundred years ago in 1619 during the time when Fengshui influences were pervasive. ^[2] It was built during the reign of the Emperor Wanli, 47 year reign of the Ming Dynasty.^[2]

The building is made from red sandstone.^[2] The style of the Chigang Pagoda is influenced by the Ming Dynasty architecture at the time. It was built to mirror the Pazhou Pagodain the vicinity as well.^[2]

It is said the two towers were built at the mouth of the Pearl River as a Fengshui design to bring good luck to the Guangzhou city area. ^[3]

Architecture

The tower is a octagonal shape tower. It stands at 53.7 m high tower. The floor has a diameter of 12.5 meters. The tower is made up of 9 exterior floor sections.^[2] Inside the tower, it consist of 17 layers which keeps the 9 sections together.^[2]

Restoration

Over the past centuries as Chigang Pagoda exposed to the natural environment, it became a little derelict. the external wall cracked, foundation started to sink, floors became uneven due to neglect. At one stage, the tower leaned about 1.05 m from the vertical.^[2] The Guangzhou authorities in 1996 started work on its restoration but was never completed due to a lack of funds.^{[2] [4]}

In 1998, the Guangzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Management raised RMB 1.60 million to fund the restoration work for the Chigang Pagoda.^{[2] [4]} The restoration and inspection completed in mid 1999.^{[2] [4]}

Transport

The pagoda can be reach by rail. The pagoda is served by Chigang Pagoda Station on line 3 and Chigang Station on line 8 of the Guangzhou Metro system.

References

1. ^ http://www.gz2010.cn/09/1104/16/5N9O9RF30078023A.html
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i j} http://baike.baidu.com/view/1704685.htm
3. ^ http://www.hudong.com/wiki/%E8%B5%A4%E5%B2%97%E5%A1%94
4. ^ ^{a b c} http://old.lvyou100.com/Scene/jdindex/4323.html

Coordinates: 23°06′08″N 113°19′20″E / 23.102303°N 113.322333°E / 23.102303; 113.322333