Five Pagoda Temple (Wutasi)

First constructed in 1473, renovated under Emperor Qianlong, but then ransacked by Allied Forces and looted during the Boxer Rebellion, this temple has taken some beatings over the years. Restored once more (though with few original elements), the temple now includes the Stone Carving Museum. The five Buddhist pagodas within the complex are of the Indian ‘diamond throne’ variety: tall, tiered structures rising from square bases on a heavily engraved ‘throne’ foundation. The exquisite carvings on the throne depict Buddhist symbols, animals and Sanskrit writings; note the carving of Buddha’s feet underneath the central pagoda.