Liaodi Pagoda

The pagoda stands at a height of 84 meters (276 ft), resting on a large platform with an octagonal base.

[2] Construction on this stone and brick pagoda began in the year 1001 AD during the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, and was completed in 1055 AD during the reign of Emperor Renzong of Song.

Emperor Zhenzong intended to have Buddhist scriptures gathered by the Chinese monk Huineng from India stored at the pagoda's site.

Due to its location at a strategic military location, the height of the pagoda made it useful as a watchtower,[3] which could be used to spot enemy movements coming from the northern Liao dynasty headed by the Song's Khitan rivals.

At the top of its steeple, the pagoda features a crowning spire made of bronze and iron.