Despite leaning more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, the Huzhou Tower in Shanghai has stood strong without collapsing for nearly 1,000 years.
Few people know that in Shanghai, China, there exists an ancient tower that tilts even more than the famous Pisa tower of Italy. This is the Huzhou Tower, which has a lean of 7.1 degrees. In contrast, the Pisa Tower in the “boot-shaped country” has a lean of about 3.99 degrees.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy with a lean of about 3.99 degrees.
Recently captured images in a forest park in Shanghai show the tower nestled among surrounding mountains. Despite its significant tilt that gives it a “crooked” appearance, the tower has remained steadfast for nearly a millennium.
According to local media, this 19-meter tall structure, consisting of 7 floors, leans 7.1 degrees towards the southeast. The tilt has increased from 6.51 degrees since the 1980s.
The Huzhou Tower in Shanghai viewed from above.
Not only does it have a significant tilt, but the base of the Huzhou Tower has also suffered severe damage from a major fire in the past. Nevertheless, the distinctive architecture of the structure has allowed it to endure.
So, what factors have helped this ancient tower withstand the ravages of time?
According to legend, it is the Buddhist relics housed within that have protected the Huzhou Tower. The structure was built around 1079.
Historical records indicate that the tower was originally constructed upright, unlike its current “crooked” state. It was Emperor Gaozong of the Song Dynasty who placed five sarira, or relics, inside the pagoda.
The base of the tower severely damaged from a major fire in 1788.
However, in 1788, a large fire occurred that severely damaged the structure, impacting the base of the tower. Despite this, the tower remains standing today.
Upon analyzing the wall structure, experts discovered that one of the materials used by ancient builders included rice and lime. The rice was cooked into porridge and mixed with lime and sand to create a mortar for the bricks. This type of mortar is similar to modern cement.
Experts note that the Huzhou Tower features a unique architecture with a structure consisting of 8 sides. Each side of the tower has a door. The doors on each floor are staggered. This arrangement helps the doors maintain stability on each level of the tower.
Additionally, the structure also features two layers of walls interconnected to bear the weight. This helps ensure the balance of the tower. Thanks to this special construction technique, the Huzhou Tower has survived for nearly 1,000 years, withstanding the effects of rain, wind, and natural disasters, showing no signs of collapse.
The Huzhou Tower features a unique architecture with a structure consisting of 8 sides.
However, in terms of fame, the Huzhou Tower may not be as “renowned” as the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, but it remains a significant landmark worth visiting when travelers have the opportunity to visit Shanghai.
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Sarira refers to the small, round, pearl-like relics that form after the cremation of Buddhist monks or after their passing. Sarira are typically placed in glass bowls on altars in temples, within Buddha statues, or atop pagodas. Sarira are preserved to bring blessings. |
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