Have you ever wondered how a 1,000-year-old pagoda can shrug off earthquakes? Nestled in the Chinese mainland’s Haiqing Temple, the Asoka Pagoda has faced 18 tremors over the last millennium—and it’s still standing tall! 🏯✨
Built around the late 10th and early 11th centuries during the Northern Song dynasty, this architectural icon has become a symbol of resilience. Locals and travelers alike marvel at its graceful tiers, each layer perfectly aligned to balance weight and absorb seismic shocks.
So, what’s the secret? Ancient builders used a mix of flexible wooden beams, interlocking bricks, and a special clay mortar that acts like a natural shock absorber. This blend creates a structure that sways, rather than breaks, when the ground moves.
Today, experts study the pagoda’s design to inspire modern earthquake-proof buildings in Asia and beyond. It’s a testament to how blending art and engineering can create structures that last centuries.
Next time you visit the Chinese mainland, don’t miss the chance to see the Asoka Pagoda in Haiqing Temple—a living lesson in ancient ingenuity! 🌏🔍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
