The Liaodi Pagoda ( Chinese : 料敌塔 ; pinyin : Liàodí Tǎ ) of Kaiyuan Monastery, Dingzhou , Hebei Province, China is the tallest existing pre-modern Chinese pagoda and tallest brick pagoda in the world, built in the 11th century during the Song dynasty (960–1279). The pagoda stands at a height of 84 meters (276 ft), resting on a large platform with an octagonal base. Upon completion in 1055, the Liaodi Pagoda surpassed the height of China's previously tallest pagoda still standing, the central pagoda of the Three Pagodas , which stands at 69.13 m (230 ft). The tallest pagoda in pre-modern Chinese history was a 100-meter (330 ft)-tall wooden pagoda tower in Chang'an built in 611 by Emperor Yang of Sui , yet this structure no longer stands. It is considered one of the Four Treasures of Hebei .
12-454: Construction on this stone and brick pagoda began in the year 1001 AD during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song , and was completed in 1055 AD during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song . Emperor Zhenzong intended to have Buddhist scriptures gathered by the Chinese monk Huineng from India stored at the pagoda's site. Due to its location at a strategic military location, the height of
24-568: The Zhao family , were allegedly discovered. This was followed up by imperial sacrificial ceremonies carried out at Mount Tai . From 1013 to 1015, the emperor issued official decrees deifying the Jade Emperor as the highest ruler of Heaven. Champa rice was introduced to China from Champa during Emperor Zhenzong's reign. In 1020, Emperor Zhenzong became affected by an illness which was to cause his death two years later and unable to handle
36-618: The Chongwen Pagoda of Shaanxi Province. Completed in 1605 during the Ming dynasty , the Chongwen Pagoda stands at a height of 79 m (259 ft), making it the second tallest pagoda built in pre-modern China. Each floor of the Liaodi Pagoda features gradually-tiered stone eaves, doors and windows (with false windows on four sides of the octagonal structure) while the first floor has an encircling balcony . A split section of
48-725: The Khitans waged war against the Song Empire. Emperor Zhenzong, leading his army, struck back at the Khitans. Despite initial successes, in 1005, Emperor Zhenzong concluded the Chanyuan Treaty . The treaty resulted in over a century of peace, but at the price of the Song Empire agreeing to an inferior position to the Liao Empire, and also agreeing to pay an annual tribute of 100,000 ounces of silver and over 200,000 bolts of silk. The admission of inferiority would come to plague
60-413: The affairs of state. By this time, Zhenzong’s wife Empress Liu was already established as power behind the throne and handled the affairs of state. She continued to act unofficially as regent of China for the two remaining years of Zhenzong’s life. Zhenzong died in 1022 of his illness. He was succeeded by his 6th son, Zhao Zhen who took the throne as Emperor Renzong , but with actual power remaining in
72-631: The eighth story up there are no brackets supporting the vaulted ceiling. Within the pagoda is a large pillar in the shape of another pagoda, as seen from the inside and as viewed from the cut section. The painted murals and stone steles with Chinese calligraphy in the pagoda are dated to the Song period when the pagoda was built. 38°30′37″N 114°59′48″E / 38.51028°N 114.99667°E / 38.51028; 114.99667 Emperor Zhenzong of Song Emperor Zhenzong of Song (23 December 968 – 23 March 1022), personal name Zhao Heng ,
84-499: The foreign affairs of the Song Empire, while the payments slowly depleted the empire's coffers. He was responsible for ordering the shipment of 30,000 bushels of quick-maturing rice seed from the Fujian Province to the lower Yangtze basin in 1011–1012, improving agriculture. Emperor Zhenzong stressed the importance of Taoism at his imperial court. It was during his reign that the so-called Heavenly Texts, which glorified
96-581: The hands of Empress Liu, who became empress dowager . A number of Chinese artefacts dating from the Tang dynasty and Song dynasty , some of which had been owned by Emperor Zhenzong, were excavated and came into the hands of the Kuomintang general Ma Hongkui , who refused to publicise the findings. Among the artefacts were a white marble tablet from the Tang dynasty, gold nails, and bands made out of metal. It
108-463: The pagoda made it useful as a watchtower , which could be used to spot enemy movements coming from the northern Liao dynasty headed by the Song's Khitan rivals. Initially, the pagoda was called the Kaiyuan Pagoda, but as a result of its military use it became known as the 'Liaodi' pagoda, literally meaning 'foreseeing the enemy's intentions.' Another pagoda of similar height and design is
120-410: The pagoda's walls are open so that the tower's interior may be viewed, along with the actual thickness of the walls. At the top of its steeple , the pagoda features a crowning spire made of bronze and iron . In the interior, a large staircase with landings for each floor winds from the bottom all the way up to the top floor. Brick brackets are used to support the landings on each floor, while from
132-465: Was often placed in the hands of his third wife, Empress Liu . Emperor Zhenzong's reign was noted for the consolidation of power and the strengthening of the Song Empire. The empire prospered, and its military might was further reinforced. However, it would also mark the beginning of a foreign policy towards the Khitan -led Liao dynasty in the north that would ultimately result in humiliation. In 1004,
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#1732772826245144-542: Was the third emperor of the Song dynasty of China. He reigned from 997 to his death in 1022. His personal name was originally Zhao Dechang , but was changed to Zhao Yuanxiu in 983, Zhao Yuankan in 986, and finally Zhao Heng in 995. He was the third son of his predecessor, Emperor Taizong , and was succeeded by his sixth son, Emperor Renzong at the end of his reign. From 1020 he was seriously ill, but retained power despite this. Because of his illness, day-to-day rule of China
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