The stupa is one of the most important Buddhist architectural forms which generally contains sacred relics or remains. The original Indian circular shape was eventually transformed and replaced in China; examples are central-pillared caves in Kizil and Dunhuang or earlier pagodas in Chang’an, and again, the later white Tibetan-style stupa in Beijing or on the Wuatishan (mountain). Discuss how stupas and pagodas contributed to the creation of sacred pilgrimage sites in China and changed the natural environment.

The stupa is one of the most important Buddhist architectural forms which generally contains sacred relics or remains. The original Indian circular shape was eventually transformed and replaced in China; examples are central-pillared caves in Kizil and Dunhuang or earlier pagodas in Chang’an, and again, the later white Tibetan-style stupa in Beijing or on the Wuatishan (mountain). Discuss how stupas and pagodas contributed to the creation of sacred pilgrimage sites in China and changed the natural environment.