Cloud Platform at Juyongguan, Buddhist ceremonial platform in Changping District, China
The Cloud Platform is a Buddhist ceremonial structure in Changping District with a marble base measuring 28 meters by 17 meters and standing about 9.5 meters tall. The building features an arched passageway and displays intricate stone carvings both on its exterior and throughout its interior corridors.
Built between 1342 and 1345 during the Yuan Dynasty, this structure originally anchored a processional route with three white stupas leading from the capital Dadu. The platform served an important function in the ceremonial landscape of the medieval period.
The passageway walls display Buddhist texts written in six different scripts including Tibetan, Old Uyghur, and Chinese characters. This linguistic variety reflects how the Yuan Dynasty connected people across its vast empire.
The site lies roughly 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing and is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate the stone carvings. Wear comfortable shoes to explore both the interior passages and exterior areas.
The exterior features dragon-headed gargoyles and interlocking decorative patterns that showcase Yuan Dynasty craftsmanship. The combination of these ornamental elements with the religious texts inside reflects how artistry and spirituality merged in medieval design.
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