‘经幢’ (jīng chuáng) is a traditional Chinese Buddhist stone pillar, typically cylindrical or octagonal, carved with Buddhist sutras, mantras, or dharanis. The character ‘经’ (jīng) means ‘scripture’ or ‘sutra’, reflecting its religious textual function, while ‘幢’ (chuáng) originally referred to a ceremonial banner or standard—but in this context, it denotes a tall, freestanding pillar used for sacred inscriptions. These structures were commonly erected in temple courtyards, mountain paths, or beside pagodas during the Tang and Song dynasties as acts of merit-making and spiritual protection.

Today, jīng chuáng are valued both as religious artifacts and historical monuments. They often feature fine calligraphy, decorative motifs like lotus petals or guardian figures, and may stand alone or in clusters. Though no longer produced ritually on a large scale, preserved examples appear in museums, heritage sites, and restored temples across China, especially in Shanxi, Hebei, and Shaanxi provinces. Understanding ‘经幢’ helps learners appreciate how Chinese Buddhist material culture integrates text, architecture, and devotion.