Dayao White Pagoda, Buddhist pagoda in Dayao County, Yunnan, China.
Dayao White Pagoda is a lime-coated Buddhist temple rising 18 meters on Wenbi Peak, built with three distinct sections that create its striking shape. It features an octagonal base, a prism-like body, and a cone-shaped top that stand out against the surrounding landscape.
The pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty and received major restoration work in 1872 under Qing rule. A second restoration in 1975 ensured its preservation and helped protect the structure for modern visitors.
The carved inscriptions in Chinese and Sanskrit on the exterior walls show how Buddhism shaped the spiritual life of this region. Visitors can see how religious texts were integrated into the building itself, making it a place where faith and architecture merge.
The site sits about half a kilometer west of Dayao County town, making it relatively close and easy to reach. From there, you can walk up to examine the architecture and inscriptions at your own pace.
The lime coating that covers the entire structure creates a bright white appearance that can be striking depending on the sunlight and weather conditions. This choice of material was both practical and held religious meaning for the Buddhist communities who built and maintained it.
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