Wu Ta Si

Beijing

The Ming Dynasty temple, whose name means "Five Pagodas," was built in 1473-1474 in Indo-Himalayan style. It is also called Zhen Jue Si, the name given to it by Qianlong in the 18th century. Its dominant feature is a vajrasana stupa in quincunx, whose north face is seen here. Most of the temple's current buildings are Qianlong or later replacements; however, the stupa's massive, square, arched base is original. The building was inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya, although their present structures bear little resemblance to one another.