This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
The Cishi Pagoda, also known as the Cishi Temple Pagoda, stands on the shore of Dongting Lake in the south of Yueyang City, facing the Yueyang Tower to the north at a distance of 1.5 kilometers. The pagoda is 7 stories and 39 meters high, covering 46 square meters, built of blue bricks, octagonal and solid. The base is paved with large stone slabs. From the second story upward, each story has four small niches for Buddha statues, which originally held Buddha images; small iron bells hang from the eaves. When the wind blows, the bells ring clearly and pleasantly. At the top of the pagoda is an iron spire with a wheel, and six iron chains run from the top straight down to the base, used for stability and lightning protection. The pagoda stands majestically, overlooking Dongting Lake, and is one of the 'Scenic Splendors of Baling.' This magnificent structure embodies the artistic style of the Tang and Song Dynasties.
According to the Guangxu "Baling County Annals," the history of the Cishi Pagoda's construction dates back to the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty (713–714 AD), when a Buddhist named Miaojixiang from the Western Regions came to Yueyang and told the elders that a white evil dragon from the west had fled to this area and would eventually stir up winds and waves to harm the people, and that a pagoda must be built to suppress it. Legend has it that a widow named Cishi in the city, out of compassion, donated money to build this pagoda, hence it is called the Cishi Pagoda. However, according to research, the so-called 'Cishi' does not refer to a certain widow, but to Maitreya Buddha in Buddhism. Buddhism is based on compassion, and Maitreya means 'Cishi' in Sanskrit, hence the name Cishi Pagoda. The Cishi Temple enshrines Maitreya Buddha. According to the "Records of Yueyang Customs," the Cishi Pagoda 'at sunrise, casts its shadow over the heavy lake, suppressing the water demon of Dongting.' This was the main purpose of building the Cishi Pagoda, reflecting the good wishes of the local people. After its construction, the Cishi Pagoda was evidently repaired during the Chunyou period of the Southern Song Dynasty, and has a history of 800 years. Despite exposure to wind, rain, lightning, and warfare, it still stands majestically; only the Buddha statues and iron bells no longer exist. Its solidity and sturdiness are truly admirable. The Cishi Pagoda was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Hunan Province in 1956.
