Wuling Gate

Wuling Gate

Wuling Gate, located in Xikou Town, Fenghua, Zhejiang, sits near the ridgeline of Wuling Mountain and guards the entrance to the ancient town. Originally the site of Wuling Hermitage, which had a tea pavilion, it was demolished and rebuilt in 1929 as an imitation ancient city gate tower—two stories with three bays and upturned eaves. Before 1929, it was a small hermitage, and in 1930, Chiang Kai-shek transformed it into a three-bay, two-story Wuguan-style gate building. The gate lintel bears the inscription “Wuling” on both sides: the front is written by Yu Youren, a veteran statesman and renowned calligrapher, while the back is Chiang Kai-shek’s own handwriting. In April 2007, it was designated as part of the fifth batch of municipal cultural heritage protection units by the Fenghua Municipal People’s Government.

Wuling Gate got its name because it was built on Wuling Mountain. There are two theories about the origin of the name “Wuling”: one suggests it is inspired by “Wuling” from Tao Yuanming’s “Peach Blossom Spring,” as the names sound similar; another claims it symbolizes martial virtue.

Before 1929, there were two low, humble rooms at Wuling Gate, housing several Buddha statues, and it was called “Wuling Hermitage.” Devotees often came here to burn incense and pray, and the hermitage also offered free tea for passing travelers. Some pilgrims even stayed briefly. In 1929, Chiang Kai-shek rebuilt it into a three-bay, two-story gate building in the style of a city tower.

Later, after seizing national power, he ordered funding to be allocated to Xikou Town to rebuild Wuling Hermitage. Aside from requiring the project to be completed on schedule, he stipulated that the new gate tower must match the grandeur of Zhongshan Gate in Nanjing and the majesty of the ancient palaces in Beijing.

In 1930, when Chiang Kai-shek returned to his hometown, the project was completed. The formerly dilapidated “Wuling Hermitage” had been completely transformed—the three-bay, two-story gate tower stood tall and imposing. Its architectural style incorporated the best features of gate towers from across China; its construction quality was robust and impregnable; its function served military purposes, allowing troops to be stationed, attack, and defend. Lookouts could be set up in the tower, and the terrain was highly strategic.

Location

Xikou, Fenghua

Xikou Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Fenghua City. Established as Xikou Township in 1950, upgraded to a town in 1956, changed to a commune in 1958, and re-established as a town in 1980. In 1992, it merged with Jifengshan, Dongcun, and Dong’ao three townships. Located 13 kilometers northwest of the city government, it covers an area of 134 square kilometers with a population of 43,000. The Jiangba Highway runs through it. The town administers Xikou First Village, Xikou Second Village, Xikou Third Village, Lichun, Waicun, Rushanting, Yuxi, Shangbai, Wulin, Hushan, Shadi, Shanshan, Xinjian, Dong’ao, Wangga’ao, Chenjia, Shuimentou, Zhizhao, Xizhao, Thirty-Six Bends, Zhongfeng, Lantian, Dongjiang, … Detailed information about Xikou Town++