Daocheng White Pagodas (Zunsheng Tower Forest), Garze
Daocheng White Pagodas, also known as Zunsheng Tower Forest (尊胜塔林) or Victory Tower, and in Tibetan as Langjiequdeng (郎杰曲登), are located in Daocheng County, Sichuan Province. According to legend, when Shakyamuni Buddha entered nirvana, many followers prayed for his dharma body to remain. The Buddha instructed them to build the Zunsheng Tower and personally consecrated it, symbolizing his dharma body.
Main Attractions
The Daocheng White Pagodas are situated at the head of Daocheng Bridge, behind the Daocheng gas station. The pagodas have a unique square arrangement as their base. The structure consists of three parts: the tip, the body, and the base. The base features rows of prayer wheels for devout Tibetan worshipers, while the body is divided into three sections, with a Bodhisattva statue adorning the top.
Known as White Pagoda Temple (白塔寺), it is the largest white pagoda in Garze Prefecture. The main architectural feature is a grand stupa standing 37 meters tall, built with a three-tiered base proportional to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. This base is adorned with 512 brass prayer wheels and several stone carvings.
The White Pagodas are classified as outdoor stupas, typically located near monasteries. In White Pagoda Park, there are 119 small pagodas surrounding the main tower, creating a distinctive pagoda forest. The exterior of the main pagoda is pure white and jade-like, with a circular top and square base, exuding grandeur.
Each of the four directions of the main pagoda features a large Buddhist hall, primarily styled in Han architecture. In addition to the main tower, there are 107 smaller pagodas, each about four meters high, encircling the main structure. The first tier of the grand pagoda’s wall is adorned with 176 carvings of nationally protected animals, and there are 512 brass hand-turned prayer wheels.
The golden top of the Wangcang Yuanman Grand Pagoda, including the sun and moon, umbrella cover, eaves, and various decorative elements, is crafted from brass and finished with pure gold plating.
Inside the “Immaculate and Pure Hall” (无垢清净殿) of the scripture repository, there are intricately carved wooden Buddhist niches in Han style. The main statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is a wooden carving standing 2.1 meters tall, and with the decorative six-spirit base, it reaches 2.6 meters. In front of the scripture repository is a “burning stove” (煨燥炉) that stands 3 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide.
Daocheng’s White Pagodas are a park themed around the highest form of worship in Tibetan culture. They are unique in the world.
Transportation
To reach the Daocheng White Pagodas, travelers typically start from Chengdu (成都) and can use the following methods:
- By Air: Fly from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Daocheng Yading Airport (稻城亚丁机场), which takes about 1.5 hours. From the airport, taxis and shuttle buses are available to Daocheng County, approximately 40 kilometers away.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses run from Chengdu to Daocheng, with the journey taking around 12-14 hours. Tickets can be purchased at the Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station.
- By Car: For those who prefer a scenic drive, renting a car or hiring a driver is an option. The road offers stunning views of the Tibetan Plateau.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Daocheng White Pagodas is from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
- Respect Local Customs: It is customary for Tibetans to walk around the pagoda clockwise, known as “kora” (转山转水转白塔). This is considered a form of prayer and devotion. Ensure you follow this practice respectfully.
- Bring Essentials: Due to the remote location, ensure you have essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection. Acclimatize to the altitude, as Daocheng is located over 3,700 meters above sea level.
- Photography: Capture the stunning architecture and surrounding landscapes, but be mindful of locals’ privacy and traditions when taking photos.
