(1) The last pagoda of the day is Xumi Pagoda at Kaiyuan Temple, Zhengding. Near the side entry gate stands this huge bixi (赑屃). In its original condition, there would have been a large stele on its back; this one weighs 107 tons. It was made during the Five Dynasties Period (907-960) and was excavated in June 2000.
(2) An unnamed building in Kaiyuan Temple in the foreground of the pagoda--perhaps the site of the former Heavenly Kings Hall? There's nothing inside.
(3) To the right of the same small unnamed hall is a bell tower. There's a Tang Dynasty bell that stands nearly three meters tall on the upper floor (which was closed when I was there).
(4) Approaching the pagoda. You may remember from my Chengde walk that "Xumi" is a transliteration of "Sumeru," a sacred (mythical) mountain of India. This Tang Dynasty pagoda resembles others of its era, such as those in Xi'an.
(5) At each of the four corners of the pagoda there are figures of "8 vivid giants." Aside from this, the pagoda has little ornamentation, and is notable for its simplicity.
(6) One of the "8 vivid giants" at the corners of the pagoda looks like a sumo wrestler.
(7) The modernistic pillars stand on the platform of the old Sanmen (Three Gate) of Kaiyuan Temple. They strike an odd contrast to the Xumi Pagoda.
(8) Another view of the Sanmen, and what looks like a mini-pagoda of old stones in front of Xumi Pagoda.
(9) Between the pagoda and the bell tower is this platform, where the Fachuan (Spreading the Dharma) Hall was located.
(10) There seems to have been a pool here in front of the pagoda.
(11) "So then SHE says..." Lions gossiping in the yard of Xumi Pagoda, part of a large collection of stone relics gathered there. Sometimes I like seeing these old stones better than seeing the slick new temples.
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Last Updated August 6, 2019
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