White Crane Tower

White Crane Tower

White Crane Tower is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

White Crane Tower was originally built in 992 AD (the tenth year of Tonghe reign under Emperor Shengzong of Liao), commissioned by Empress Xiao, who ordered Prime Minister Han Derang to construct the tower in Changping Fort (present-day Faku), the homeland of the Xiao clan. However, due to years of war, the construction was never completed and the tower remained unbuilt for a thousand years.

On April 23, 2012, White Crane Tower was rebuilt, situated on Xiwang Ridge in Faku County at the junction of the Changbai Mountain Range and the Yin Mountain Range, at an elevation of 151.5 meters. It faces the Liao River and covers a total area of 100,000 square meters, including a main building area of 4,916 square meters. The tower stands 51.9 meters tall, half a meter higher than the Yellow Crane Tower, and presents a majestic presence.

The main plaque bearing the three characters “白鹤楼” (White Crane Tower) was created based on expert research, carefully selecting materials such as inscriptions and epitaphs from prominent officials of the Liao Dynasty to reproduce the authentic regular script style of that era, showcasing the unique charm of Liao culture.

The main structure of White Crane Tower adopts the architectural style of the Liao Dynasty. Its octagonal shape with four sides symbolizes the “four directions and eight orientations,” representing the eight tribes of the Khitan people during the Liao period. The central hall features thematic artistic reliefs depicting the myths and legends of the White Crane Tower. Other floors house a Liao Culture Museum displaying historical artifacts, relics, poetry, calligraphy, and paintings from the Liao Dynasty. The surrounding corridors offer visitors panoramic views of the northern landscape. The eaves and pillars are adorned with plaques and couplets, making the White Crane Tower the most iconic cultural landmark in North China with distinctive Liao Dynasty architectural style, and earning it the title “The Premier Tower of the Great Liao.”

Source: Official Website of the People's Government of Faku County