It was part of a large complex of the Bao’en Temple.
Neither the original temple nor the tower survive today.
The tower was built with glazed white porcelain bricks that were said to glitter in the sunlight.
The idea of an entire tower made of porcelain excited all sorts of Orientalist fancies.
From each level protruded a roof that curved upwards and encircled the tower.
At the top was a golden pineapple.
When it was built, the tower was one of the largest buildings in China.
Then eventually, they destroyed the tower completely.
This was reported to be the largest single personal donation ever made in China.
The highlight of the park is the reconstructed Buddhist temple, featuring the distinctive porcelain pagoda.
The park also includes a conservatory of the ruins exhibiting Buddhist relics and past archaeological discoveries.
Photo credit: Xinhua/Sun Can
Details from the Nanjing Tower’s arched door.
Photo credit:www.talknj.com
Sources:www.hellonanjing.net/Wikipedia/shanghaiyangtzedelta.wordpress.com
