Tower of Buddhist Incense, Buddhist temple tower at Summer Palace in Beijing, China.
The Tower of Buddhist Incense is an octagonal structure located on Longevity Hill within the Summer Palace grounds. The building features three levels and four roof eaves supported by eight thick pillars, rising to approximately 41 meters tall.
Construction of this tower began under Emperor Qianlong during the Qing Dynasty. Empress Dowager Cixi undertook a major reconstruction in the 1800s to restore and enhance the structure.
Buddhist visitors come here to pray and make offerings at the site. The tower reflects how imperial power and religious devotion were intertwined in Chinese culture.
The tower sits on top of a hill, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time for climbing the steps. Interior areas can be quite dim, so having a flashlight or good eyesight helps when viewing the details inside.
Inside the tower stands a gilded statue of the thousand-handed Guanyin Buddha reaching 5 meters tall from the Ming period. This sculpture represents the refined artistic skill of ancient craftsmen working under imperial patronage.
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