Located on Zhongshan Road(E) of Songjiang County, the Fang Ta was erected in Yuan You period of the Song Dynasty(949-1094 AD.),has a history of 400 years. It is one of the best-known pagodas south of the Yangtse River and follows the type of Buddhist square pagoda of Tang Dynasty. In front of the Square Pagoda stands a brick screen wall on which is sculptured a legendary creature named “Tan” featuring deer’s antlers, lion’s tail , dragon’s scale and ox’s hoofs.
This pagoda was completed in the 11th century under the Song dynasty, although it is in the style of the earlier Tang dynasty, marking the period in which construction began. Recently restored in its former elegance, over half of the original wood is still intact.