Erected in 1651, the eight year of Emperor Shun Zhi of the Qing Dynasty, the Pagoda stands 35.90 meters high.
History
The Pagoda was badly shaken by earthquakes which occurred respectively in 1679 (the eighteenth year of Emperor Kangxi) and 1730 (the eight year of Emperor Yongzheng), and was rebuilt on both occasions. In the subsequent years, the Pagoda has been given regular maintenance. It was reinforced in 1964. The upper part of the Pagoda "thirteen heavens" was collapsed during the 1976 Tangshan earthquake and recovered in the next year. In 2005 the Pagoda was repaired that was the greatest scale of work of the Qiong Island in one hundred years lately.
Description
A dagoba differs from the more well-known pagoda in shape. While a pagoda is a multi-storied pyramidic tower, a dagoba is a single rounded structure topped by a spire and crowned by a golden tip - a gilded ball shaped like a flame. Fourteen copper bells hang from its copper canopy.
The White Dagoba is built of brick and stone whitened with lime. There is no entrance but an intriguing possibility is that a red emblem on the body of the tower is an opening which was sealed when the tower was completed. It is believed that Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, Lama robes and other sacred articles are stored inside. Sutras in the Tibetan language are carved inside the front gate.
The tower offers magnificent views over the city. Visitors can see from here the Five Dragon Pavilions standing on the opposite bank of the lake, with colourful ferry boats travelling back and forth between the shores. Directly south is the quiet Zhong Nan Hai (Central and South Lakes) - two adjacent lakes which are now part of the grounds housing the headquarters of the Chinese Communist Party Gentral Committee and the State Council.
To the south east one can see the yellow roofs and vermilion-walled buildings of the Forbidden City. Clearly visible directly north of the Forbidden City are the five pavilions arrayed along the top of JingShan Hill, which served as a screen for the Palace.
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