Línglóng Gōngyuán 玲珑公园

蓝靛厂南路
Part of A Better Guide to Běijīng’s coverage of West of the Imperial City

Don’t make a special journey to see this park, located just outside the West Third Ring Road on the bank of the Jīngmì Diversion Canal, but it’s pleasant enough if you’re in the area.

At the north end a Japanese steam engine from 1937 rusts quietly. Further south the substantial brick Císhòu Tǎ (慈寿塔, Pagoda of Benevolence and Longevity) of 1576, modelled on the Tiānníng Sì Pagoda in Liáo and Jīn dynasty style, has 13 registers with detailed carving, and substantial statuary in pronounced relief, although some figures have lost their heads, and others have been reduced to little more than their armatures. Other carvings include musical instruments, apsarases (Buddhist angels), guardians, clouds and dragons, and Buddhism’s eight treasures (see Buddhism and Lamaism). The accompanying temple was destroyed in a fire during the Guāngxù reign (1874–1908).

Next in West of the Imperial City: Capital Museum
Previously: Jesuit Cemetery
Main Index of A Better Guide to Beijing.

For discussion of China travel, see The Oriental-List.