During Han times, the idea of the pagoda came to China from India, along with other goods and ideas, via traders on the Silk Road.  

Pagodas were used as temples by the followers of the new religion that had also arrived via the Silk Road - Buddhism.

Legend of the first pagoda (Han times)  

Laideronette, Empress of the Pagodas
(oriental themed, Revel's Mother Goose Suite) 

Buddhism