东西问丨王龙：拜寺口双塔如何见证辽宋夏金时期各民族文化交融？

Core Viewpoint - The Baici Kou Twin Towers serve as a significant symbol of Western Xia Buddhist culture, showcasing the architectural and artistic achievements of the era while reflecting the cultural integration of various ethnic groups during the Liao, Song, Xia, and Jin dynasties [6][10]. Summary by Sections Historical and Cultural Value - The Baici Kou Twin Towers are important for their representation of Western Xia's reverence for Buddhism, featuring exquisite brick carvings and decorations that highlight the unique architectural style of the period [6]. - The towers incorporate elements from various cultures, including Central Plains styles and influences from Liao and Jin, with inscriptions in both Western Xia and Sanskrit, evidencing religious and cultural exchanges [6]. Architectural Comparison - The Baici Kou Twin Towers share similarities with contemporary towers in terms of materials and structure, primarily using brick and featuring multi-layered eaves [8]. - Differences include the robust design of the Baici Kou towers compared to the more slender forms of Song towers and the compact structure of Liao towers, reflecting regional cultural characteristics [9]. Artistic Significance - The towers are considered rare artistic treasures in Chinese Buddhist architecture, combining elements from Han and Tibetan Buddhist styles, showcasing a blend of cultural influences [10]. - Their unique structural design enhances seismic resilience, demonstrating advanced construction techniques of the Western Xia period [10]. Preservation and Research - There are six other ancient towers from the Western Xia period in Ningxia, each with distinct features, contributing to the understanding of the region's architectural evolution [12]. - Preservation efforts should focus on structural repairs and environmental management, while research should integrate archaeology and history to explore the cultural interactions reflected in the towers [18].