Nanjing Yongshou Pagoda

Nanjing Yongshou Pagoda

Nanjing Yongshou Pagoda is a cultural tourism attraction.

Nanjing Yongshou Pagoda

Nanjing Yongshou Pagoda is a feng shui pagoda, built in the 34th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1606). Originally named Yongchang, it was later renamed to its current name. Yongshou Pagoda is located within Yongshou Pagoda Park in the county town of Lishui, situated along Baota Road at the headwaters of the Qinhuai River. It was renovated in the first year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1736) and has since become a landmark of Lishui County.

Climbing to the top of the pagoda offers a panoramic view of the beautiful Lishui County. The pagoda is built in an imitation wooden pavilion style using brick, with seven levels and eight sides, standing approximately 40 meters tall. The base features an octagonal white stone platform, and each level of the pagoda body has four arched doorways, with another four sides featuring false doors. From the second level upwards, the real and false doorways are staggered vertically, and from the fourth level up, the false doors were replaced with false window frames. Each level is equipped with eaves, a flat terrace surrounded by railings. Inside, there is a square chamber with wooden staircases and wooden flooring on each level. Currently, the base platform, stone railings, eaves, flat terraces, finial components, as well as the interior flooring and staircases have been destroyed, leaving only the octagonal pagoda walls. In 1992, it was listed as a Nanjing Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit and is now a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

At the source of the hundred-li-long Qinhuai River, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters. With the setting sun casting its glow on the ancient pagoda, the scenery resembles a classic water town painting. Yongshou Pagoda Park is the foremost garden at the head of the Qinhuai River. The park derives its name from the pagoda, and the pagoda shines even brighter with the park as its backdrop. The Lishui Museum features a novel design and unique shape, with spacious exhibition halls where various displays can be viewed.

The winding corridors offer a sense of seclusion through winding paths. A stretch of emerald water meanders around the park. Beneath ancient willows and drooping poplars stands a bronze statue of Cui Zhiyuan, a master of Korean literature. As a young man, Cui Zhiyuan crossed the sea alone to travel westward to study in the great Tang Dynasty. After completing his studies, he served as an official in Lishui, taking in the beautiful mountain and river scenery and composing literary works such as "Zhongshan Fu Huang Ji," "Guiyuan Bi Geng Ji," and "Di Wang Nian Dai Li."

For over a thousand years, he has been revered as the founding father of Korean classical Chinese literature. The Tang Dynasty legend "The Fairy’s Red Pouch" recounts a magical encounter Cui Zhiyuan had while staying overnight at the Zhaoxian Pavilion south of Lishui County. There lies a Double Maidens’ Tomb. It is said that in some unknown dynasty, two maidens died for love. When the poet visited and paid his respects, he was deeply moved. That very night, two beautiful women arrived carrying red pouches filled with poetry to thank him. They exchanged poems and enjoyed themselves immensely. A tale of talent and beauty, unfolding a romantic history; the ancient tomb of the two maidens, witnessing the warmth and coldness of human relationships. The towering pagoda stands alone in the setting sun.

According to records, during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, Magistrate Xu Liangyan, aiming to remedy the geomantic flaws of Lishui, rallied the efforts of the entire county to raise funds for the construction of the pagoda. Upon completion, it was initially named Yongchang and later decreed to be called Yongshou. The pagoda is built in an imitation wooden pavilion style with seven levels and eight sides, adorned with carvings of Vajra warriors and door gods. In the old days, on the nights of the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month when the lamps were lit, Yongshou Pagoda shone brilliantly from top to bottom, appearing exquisitely translucent and truly spectacular. With the meandering Qinhuai River and the majestic Yongshou Pagoda, the scenery of this ancient Jiangnan town is enchanting. Yongshou Pagoda Park, with its classic elegance, offers a stroll that surely clears the mind of worldly concerns, brings endless joy, and enhances both talent and fortune.