Besei Pagoda (North Temple Pagoda) Suzhou, China

Photos & story by: Debbie Stock

There's just so much you can see with limited time on your hands. I was wowed by the magnificent red & gold colored Besei Pagoda at Bao'en Temple in Suzhou while whizzing by in traffic on my way to the famous Yunyansi Pagoda or Tiger Hill pagoda. If I had more time, I would have climbed to the top of the Besei pagoda and been able to see Tiger Hill.  

The Besei pagoda with a huge Buddha statue at its base dates back to the 1300s-1600s during the Ming Dynasty. Several pagodas were built before this nine-story rendition (previously had 11 stories) which features an octagonal frame. Its base and outside walls are made of brick, the balustrades made of stone, and the eaves and banisters encircling the structure are made of wood.

Its double eaves and flying corners are similar to Liuhe Pagoda in Hangzhou. In addition to seeing the huge carved lacquer Prosperous Suzhou, Bronze Buddha Hall and scripture library, garden with rockery, pool, pavilions and bridges, you can buy some delicious Chinese tea.

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