Ligong Pagoda 理公塔 at the Feilai Feng 飞来峰
It might come as a surprise to some that the founder of the Lingyin Temple was actually from India. The religion, Buddhism, itself came from India. It can’t be helped though since Buddhism has been strongly associated with the Chinese for centuries. The founder of the Lingyin Temple was an Indian monk named Huili 慧理. And it is for him that the pagoda was built. In fact, the pagoda has his ashes underneath it. The seven storey pagoda was built at the foot of Feilai Feng and was all stone, thus gray in color. Not surprisingly, because of its age, the Ligong Pagoda as already undergone several renovations.
Buddhist Scupltures at the Foot of Feilai Feng 飞来峰
The earliest recovered renovation was in the 10th century. There were several more after that. Fortunately, they made these out of stone so it lasts longer than the others. It is the only pagoda which can be traced back to the Ming dynasty, and I assume that it is also means it is the oldest one. The pagoda is probably one of the first structures you would see upon entering the Lingyin-Feilai Feng Scenic Area, the Buddhist carvings on the pagoda also give you an idea of what to expect in the park.
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