White Jade Mountain Pagoda (Loyalty Pagoda)

White Jade Mountain Pagoda (Loyalty Pagoda)

Originally named the Loyalty Pagoda, later renamed as the White Jade Pagoda and then White Jade Mountain Pagoda. Construction began in June 1907 and was completed in November 1909. The structure is generally round, resembling a candle. An iron spiral staircase inside allows visitors to reach the top of the pagoda, which stands 66 meters tall with an additional 9-meter spire. A bronze plaque is embedded at the top, inscribed with a memorial text composed by Tōgō Heihachirō and Nogi Maresuke.

Located in the center of Lushun urban area, White Jade Mountain is the central attraction among Lushun’s eight major scenic areas. Originally called Xiguan Mountain, it was renamed during the sixth year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign (1880 AD), when Li Hongzhang accompanied the Guangxu Emperor’s father, Prince Chun, on an inspection tour of Lushunkou. Li remarked that since Lushun had Golden Hill, it should also have a White Jade Hill—thus giving the mountain its current name. White Jade Mountain is not very high, with an elevation of only 130 meters. Visitors can reach the summit via 499 cement steps, or take a road or cable car directly to the top. The mountain itself is quite ordinary, without any peculiar rocks or ancient trees. Its main attractions include panoramic views of the famous Lushun Naval Port, the Japanese-built “Loyalty Pagoda” (now called White Jade Mountain Pagoda) at the summit, and a massive ancient cannon from the First Sino-Japanese War. The entrance fee for White Jade Mountain is 40 yuan, and hiking to the top takes about 1.5 hours.

The most prominent feature of White Jade Mountain is the century-old White Jade Pagoda. Its spire resembles either a bullet tip, a candle, or, according to some, a phallic cultural symbol. This pagoda is highly controversial—some view it as a symbol of shame that should be demolished, while others see it as a historical relic that should be preserved. It was built in 1909 by Japanese forces as the “Loyalty Pagoda,” a shrine to honor the war dead who served the emperor during the Russo-Japanese War. In a sense, it is comparable to Japan’s… in China.

Location

Lushun, Dalian, Liaoning