Jianchuan Lingbao Pagoda

On the slopes of Jinhua Mountain in Jianchuan County, within the tranquil landscape of Jingfeng Park, stands the Jianchuan Lingbao Pagoda, also known as Jingfeng Pagoda. Located beside the historic Jianchuan Ancient City, this ancient Buddhist stone pagoda forms an important part of the Jingfeng Pavilion Ancient Architectural Group, a cultural complex that preserves the architectural traditions, religious heritage, and craftsmanship of the Jianchuan region.

The Lingbao Pagoda is a nine-tier square dense-eave stone pagoda standing approximately fifteen meters high. Together with Jingfeng Pavilion, Dacheng Hall, Qisheng Palace, Guanyue Temple, Lingxing Gate, and Caishen Hall, it forms a historic architectural ensemble that reflects the coexistence of Buddhist, Confucian, and local cultural traditions. The entire Jingfeng Pavilion Ancient Architectural Group was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2013, recognizing its outstanding historical and architectural value.

The original construction date of the Lingbao Pagoda remains uncertain. Historical records indicate that the pagoda was built during the Ming dynasty and underwent major reconstruction during the Qing dynasty. In 1751, the original structure collapsed during an earthquake. It was rebuilt in 1782 under the craftsmanship of Zhao Zhengmin, a Bai ethnic stone-carving master from Jianchuan. The rebuilt pagoda preserved its traditional Buddhist architectural form while demonstrating the refined stone-carving techniques for which Jianchuan craftsmen were renowned.

The lower section of the pagoda is built with stone blocks and rests upon a Sumeru-style pedestal decorated with carved lotus patterns. The base and pedestal are enriched with detailed relief sculptures, including auspicious images such as a rhinoceros gazing at the moon, a rabbit holding a lingzhi mushroom, double phoenixes facing the sun, two dragons playing with a pearl, double lions playing with an embroidered ball, and qilin motifs. These carvings reveal the artistic achievements of local Bai stone artisans.

Rising through nine levels, the pagoda gradually narrows upward, with Buddhist niches arranged on each side of the tiers. The niches contain finely carved religious sculptures, including the Four Heavenly Kings on the first level, the Four Vajra Guardians on the second level, the Sixteen Arhats from the third to sixth levels, and the Eight Sections of Heavenly Dragons on the seventh and eighth levels. The structure is crowned with a pyramidal roof and a copper gourd-shaped finial, completing its distinctive silhouette.

Today, the Lingbao Pagoda remains a preserved landmark within Jingfeng Park. As part of the Jingfeng Pavilion Ancient Architectural Group, it represents the integration of Buddhist architecture, regional history, and Bai craftsmanship. Its surviving stone carvings and traditional structure provide valuable material evidence for understanding the religious architecture and artistic development of Jianchuan from the Ming and Qing periods.