The Tower of Buddhist Incense, China

China-6, originally uploaded by Abhishek's Postcard World.

The Tower of Buddhist Incense is the symbol of the Summer Palace and an elaborate work of classical architecture. The three-storied tower, situated on a hill, is about 40 meters (131 feet) high and has a complicated structure. It has eight facades and quadruple-layered eaves, and the whole is supported by eight pillars of lignum vitae wood. It is the center of Summer Palace, with buildings distributed symmetrically around its base. The Precious Cloud Pavilion (Baoyunge) to the west of the tower, made out of 207 tons (456,357 pounds) of bronze, is exquisite and noteworthy.