Tower Of Buddhist Incense

Overview

Perched majestically atop Longevity Hill within the sprawling landscape of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China, stands the Tower of Buddhist Incense (Fóxiānggé). This iconic structure is not merely a building but an architectural centerpiece, offering an unparalleled vantage point over Kunming Lake and the entire imperial garden complex. With its distinctive octagonal shape and vibrant glazed tiles, the tower serves as a visual anchor, drawing the eye and symbolizing the spiritual heart of the Summer Palace.

As the highest point in the Summer Palace, the Tower of Buddhist Incense embodies a profound sense of grandeur and historical significance. Its prominent location and intricate design make it a focal point for visitors, inviting them to ascend its steps and discover the rich narratives woven into its very foundations.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of the Tower of Buddhist Incense trace back to Emperor Qianlong's reign (1735–1796) in the Qing Dynasty. Originally, the emperor envisioned a nine-story Buddhist pagoda, inspired by the Six Harmony Pagoda he had seen during a southern tour in 1750. This initial ambitious project, known as the Prolonging Longevity Pagoda, was abandoned in 1758 due to the excessive weight of its brick construction materials.

Subsequently, a lighter wooden structure was completed in 1760 on the original foundation, which is the Tower of Buddhist Incense we see today. It was designed as a site for Buddhist worship and originally housed thousands of precious artifacts and 48 statues. Like many structures within the Summer Palace, the tower suffered destruction during the Anglo-French Allied Forces' invasion in 1860. It was later rebuilt to its original grandeur between 1886 and 1891, under the patronage of Empress Dowager Cixi, with the reconstruction completed in 1894. During her time, Cixi frequently visited the tower on the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month to offer incense and pray.

What Makes It Special

The Tower of Buddhist Incense is a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty wooden architecture. It features an octagonal shape, rising three stories high with four-layered eaves that converge into a pointed roof. The tower is supported by eight massive ironwood pillars, each approximately one meter in diameter, and further surrounded by 24 vermilion corridor pillars. Its exterior is clad in vibrant yellow glazed tiles, beautifully trimmed with green, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

Inside the ground floor of the tower, a remarkable gilded bronze statue of a Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara (a compassionate Buddha) stands, cast in 1574. This imposing statue boasts twelve faces and twenty-four arms, seated on a throne adorned with 999 blooming lotus flowers across nine layers. This significant religious artifact, five meters high and weighing five tons, highlights the tower's profound spiritual importance.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One fascinating tale surrounding the tower concerns its construction under Emperor Qianlong. It's said that during the initial building of the Prolonging Longevity Pagoda, workers unearthed an ancient tomb belonging to a Ming Dynasty concubine at the foot of Longevity Hill. Upon the tomb's door, an inscription reportedly read: 'Leave me undisturbed, and I shall leave you in peace.' Awestruck, Emperor Qianlong immediately re-sealed the tomb and decided to build the Tower of Buddhist Incense directly atop it, hoping to quell any restless spirits and ensure peace.

The tower's name, 'Buddhist Incense,' itself suggests its purpose. Empress Dowager Cixi's personal devotion to Buddhism played a significant role in the tower's reconstruction and use. She regularly made the journey up Longevity Hill to pray and burn incense, making the tower a central part of her spiritual life within the Summer Palace.

Visitor Perspective

Approaching the Tower of Buddhist Incense involves a climb up Longevity Hill, a journey that rewards visitors with increasingly spectacular views. As you ascend, the panoramic vistas of Kunming Lake, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and the entire Summer Palace complex unfold beneath you. The climb offers not just a physical ascent but a gradual immersion into the grandeur and serene beauty of this imperial garden.

From the tower, the symmetrical layout of the surrounding buildings, with Kunming Lake to the south and the Hall of the Sea of Wisdom to the north, becomes evident, forming a 'stars surrounding the moon' arrangement. This bird's-eye perspective allows for a deep appreciation of the masterful landscape design that earned the Summer Palace its UNESCO World Heritage status. The experience provides a tangible connection to the imperial past, allowing one to imagine the emperors and empresses gazing upon the same breathtaking scenery centuries ago.