Porcelain Tower of Nanjing |
The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing
Photo courtesy of Wonderweb.com
| What: | Called the Boa'ensi, or "Temple of Gratitude" by the Chinese people, this octagonal tower stands about 250 feet tall with a diameter of 95 feet. It contains 9 stories, each narrower than the one below to compensate for the weight. If each floor had been the same size, the tower would collapse in on itself. Each brick was made out of white porcelain, and during the day the reflection of the sun would cause the entire tower to shine, and by night it was illuminated by 140 lamps. The porcelain walls were decorated with beautiful artwork of nature. A spiral staircase led from the 8th floor up to the roof. The entire tower was destroyed by rebels in the early 19th century. |
| Where: | Nanjing, the ancient capital of China, on the banks of the Yangtze River |
| When: | It was designed in the 15th century by the Chinese Emperor Yung-lo. |
| Why: | Built as a Buddhist pagoda. |
| Interesting fact: | A bolt of lighting struck the tower, knocking down the spiral staircase down to the 7th floor shortly before the tower was destroyed. |