The Cloud Terrace is a Buddhist structure built in the Yuan Dynasty. “Cloud” here means that if you look out from the terrace, you will feel as if you were on top of cloud. It is in centre of the Fortress City, and used to be the base of a grand lama temple. There used to be three lama towers on top of the terrace, and below the vaulted gate was for the traffic. According to Buddhist scripture, if one passes below the towers he is virtually paying homage to the Buddha. The purpose of the tower was to have all those who passed below converted to Buddhism and be protected by the power of the Buddha. Thus, the feudal ruler could strengthen his hold upon the people.
The stone carving of the Cloud Terrace is a masterpiece of the carvings of Tibetan Buddhism in the Yuan Dynasty. Its size is grand and its content is elaborate. In the carving there are the Lama Gods and some animals and images with cultural meanings, and Buddhist scriptures in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Mongolian, Uyghur, Tangut and Chinese. The relief of the Four Heavenly Kings on the side walls of the vaulted hole is the most impressive part of the carving.
Each of the four figures measures about 2.75 metres in height and 3.65 metres in width. Their figures are strong and powerful and their looks are solemn. In their hands they hold a sword, a Chinese lute, an umbrella and a snake. As the Buddhist scripture records, these four objects are the symbol of good weather for the crops in the field. The four kings are placed on a high base, on each side there are ghosts and warriors, and at the base there are two goblins. The whole image is very intimidating. Humour has it that Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty once visit the city dressed as a commoner. As he tried to walk past Juyongguan on horseback, his horse was scared to see the carving of the Four Heavenly Kings and would not move an inch. Wuzong had to issue an order to have the carving blackened by smoke so that the horse would get out of Juyongguan Pass.
The Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
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