The White Forest of Faith: Daocheng's Zunsheng Pagoda Forest and the Sacred Gateway to Yading

The Snowy Crown of Daocheng

1.Located at the entrance of Daocheng: County, right at the head of the Daocheng Bridge, the Daocheng White Pagoda (also formally known as Zunsheng Pagoda Forest) stands as the spiritual landmark and the first majestic sight welcoming travelers to this highland sanctuary. As you approach the county seat, the massive, pure white structure rises against the backdrop of the blue plateau sky and the distant undulating mountains, creating a visual impact of sanctity and purity. Built in the early 2000s by a renowned Living Buddha and the local government, this architectural marvel was designed to serve as a center for prayer and a symbol of auspiciousness for the region. The main pagoda is modeled after the style of the famous Ramoche Temple and Potala Palace in Lhasa, featuring thirteen tiers that symbolize the thirteen stages of the path to enlightenment or "Thirteen Heavens". The dazzling white body of the stupa, accented with gold and red, reflects the intense sunlight of the plateau, making it a beacon of faith that can be seen from miles away,.

A Forest of 108 Pagodas

The site is not merely a single tower but a "forest" of stupas. Surrounding the grand central pagoda are 108 smaller white pagodas, arranged in a square formation that encircles the main structure like stars guarding the moon. In Tibetan Buddhism, the number 108 signifies the 108 afflictions of life, and circumambulating these pagodas is believed to purify one's karma and bring immense merit. The layout creates a magnificent visual rhythm, with the towering central stupa representing the supreme Dharma and the surrounding smaller stupas symbolizing the vast assembly of disciples or the pervasive nature of the Buddha's teachings. Inside the main tower, a statue of the Usnisa Vijaya (Zunsheng Buddha Mother), known for granting longevity and removing obstacles, is enshrined along with precious Thangkas and scriptures. The completion of the tower was reportedly marked by auspicious signs such as rainbows encircling the structure, cementing its status as a holy site in the hearts of the local people,.

The Heartbeat of Muya Culture

Culturally, the Zunsheng Pagoda Forest is the vibrant heart of the Muya Tibetan people in Daocheng. It serves as a daily gathering place for locals. From dawn until dusk, devout Tibetans can be seen performing the "Kora" (circumambulation) around the base of the pagodas, spinning the golden prayer wheels and chanting mantras. The air is filled with the scent of burning juniper incense and the low hum of prayers. During major festivals like the Snow Shoton Festival or the Horse Racing Festival, the square around the pagodas becomes a stage for traditional celebrations. Riders on horseback may circle the area, and locals perform the "Guozhuang" dance, a circle dance that expresses joy and community spirit. The site is also linked to the legends of Princess Wencheng and the Tea Horse Road, serving as a historical resting point where caravans would pray for safety before continuing their perilous journey across the mountains. It represents the living soul of Daocheng, connecting the ancient traditions of the past with the modern aspirations of the present,.