The Constructing Principles And Form Analyses On Shanxi Pagodas In Early Period

Buddhism, one of the major world religions, was originated from India and was introduced into China at the end of West Han and the beginning of East Han. Then it combined with Chinese culture and the local religion to form the Buddhist culture with Chinese characteristics. As landmark of Buddhism, Chinese pagoda is different from that in India as well with the development and spreading of in China, which embodies the cultural blend of the west and the east.As an important political and military place, Shanxi is also famous for the typical northern Chinese architectural culture, local custom and diverse ethnic culture. Buddhism was introduced into Shanxi in the 4th century which is based on the local culture. And the pagodas have both northern Chinese architectural style and the style of local architecture. Some of these precious pagodas still exist in Shanxi.The thesis is aimed to explore the developing process of Shanxi pagodas before Yuan dynasty through research, investigation, classification, comparison and summarizing on the existing pagodas in Shanxi province, which involves not only the development of pagodas in different dynasties, but also the blend of various cultures. Thus the conclusion about the characteristic of each step in Shanxi pagodas constructing from conception, design, site selection before constructing and structure, decoration, preserving in the constructing to utilization and preserving after constructing can be drawn, which will be valuable on recognizing, preserving and utilizing pagodas in Shanxi in the future and can also instruct the planning and design of ancient buildings. The conclusion, in combination with the comparison and analyses of the general characters of pagodas in China and the characteristics of pagodas in ancient India, helps to understand the inevitability and contingency of different cultures blending. The author hopes that the thesis can be used for reference and enlighten architects.