Duobao Pagoda is the only building from the Yuan Dynasty, and the earliest building still extant on Mount Putuo. It is regarded as a rare treasure among China's ancient pagodas because of its unique form, exquisite carvings and well-preserved state.
Located on the east side of Haiyin Pool southeast of Puji Temple, the largest temple on Mount Putuo, the pagoda was constructed between 1333 and 1335 during the Yuan Dynasty.
The three-storeyed square pagoda, more than twenty meters high, was entirely built of stone. The lower part is a huge platform encircled by stone balustrades. On the platform is the pedestal of the pagoda, also made of stone and surrounded by balustrades. The three storeys of the pagoda have a Sumeru base. Different from most other pagodas, roiled balconies substitute for eaves. The steeple is a box-shaped stupa, the four corners of which are in the shape of four banana leaves. The four sides of the pagoda have carved images of Buddha and niches. The platform below the pagoda also has carved images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Buddhist devotees, demon- strafing excellent craftsmanship. A statue of the Goddess of Mercy, portrayed like a dainty girl with a charming and cordial expression, merits particular attention. The statues of eighteen arhats, each with a different posture and facial expression, are also regarded as outstanding works of art.
