We havearrived at the Pine and Crane Garden. Its layout issimilar to Qushuiliushang. Crane Longevity Pavililon, is another pavilion namedfrom references in ancient literature. There is an ancient saying: Cranes liveone thousand years and travel enormously. The Crane is another symbol of longevity.Crane Longevity Pavilion’s structure is formed by two square units, which overlap.Its roof has double eaves, with cranes decorating 14 turned up corners.
In the lotuspond there is a stone structure, the PuTong Tower. It was created in1222, nearly eight hundred years of ago. It was originally placed in the lotuspond in the Nanxiang Nunnery. The height of the structure is about two meters.It has a cross section of a hexagon, and was heaped with stone blocks. The pedestalis a Sumeru thronedecorated with lotus, and each segment is supported by lotus or stone canopy. Towersegments are engraved with images of Buddha and other Buddhist imagery patterns.
The towerwas built by the Buddhist disciple Gan ZiJing for the glorification ofTathagata Buddha's merit. In 1959, the Shanghai Cultural Relics ManagementCommittee recommended that the stone pagoda be moved to the Guyi Garden, in order to preserve this precious relic betterand for the public to see it. In 1960，PuTong Tower was listed as a Protected Relic.
Now, thistower is standing gracefully in the lotus pond. In summer time, lotus leavescover the pond, morning dew drops trickle on the leaves, and lotus flower shimmer.This tower becomes a center piece in the pond.
Please walkon the little pathway to the south and continue your tour.
