Tower of Xie Tiao

Tower of Xie Tiao

The Tower of Xie Tiao is a cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province.

The Tower of Xie Tiao is located in the city center of Xuancheng and is a renowned cultural pavilion. It is not only a local landmark of Xuancheng but also a symbol of traditional Chinese poetry and literature.

In the summer of 495 during the second year of the Jianwu era of the Southern Qi Dynasty, a 30-year-old poet from a noble family, who had served as a secretary to the Xiao clan of nobles for over a decade, slowly arrived in Xuancheng by boat, traveling against the current. He was Xie Tiao. Although he had once earned the appreciation of Princes Xiao and Jingling, and even served as the imperial edict drafter for Emperor Ming, the volatile political climate of the Jiankang court had left Xie Tiao “weary of scheming and tired of worldly affairs.” The green mountains and clear waters of the south perfectly matched his desire to “restrain his nature and seek seclusion” and to “indulge in the mountain springs.”

Xie Tiao’s literary style, inspired by the scenery of Xuancheng, produced a series of evocative ink paintings—sparse, serene, tranquil, and otherworldly: “At the edge of the sky I see the returning boat, through the clouds I discern the riverside trees,” “The sun rises as birds scatter, at dusk a lone monkey cries in the hills,” “From the cold city I gaze out, the flat plains lie vast and blue,” “Remaining snow reflects on green hills, cold mist parts to reveal the white sun,” “Warmth returns to the river village, scattered trees emerge by the sea,” “Looking at the hills within the white clouds, gazing at the plains where the waters meet the evening sky...”

“Xie Huilian’s poetry heralds the style of the Tang Dynasty.” Xie Tiao holds a place in literary history as having “continued the legacy of the Han and initiated that of the Tang.” Du Fu praised him, saying, “His poetry follows that of Xie of Xuancheng,” and “Every piece by Xie Tiao is worthy of deep appreciation.” Even the proud Li Bai “bowed his head to Xie of Xuancheng all his life.” Shen Yue described Xie Tiao as having “a tone that harmonizes with metal and stone, thoughts that soar with the wind and clouds,” and claimed, “No such works have been seen in two hundred years.” Xie Tiao’s landscape poetry, which infused emotion into scenery, directly influenced Tang Dynasty poets such as Wang Wei and Meng Haoran. Xie Tiao holds a unique and significant position in the history of Chinese poetry.

Xie Tiao built a room for himself on Lingyang Peak, north of the administrative seat of the commandery, naming it Gaizhai (Lofty Studio), as a place for conducting affairs and daily living. Historical records state: “Xie Tiao attended to official duties in Gaizhai, reciting poems and singing freely, while the commandery was also well governed.” In the early Tang Dynasty, Gaizhai was rebuilt into a tower and named Beilou (North Tower), later also referred to as Beiwanglou (North Watch Tower), Xiegonglou (Pavilion of Lord Xie), and Xietiaolou (Tower of Xie Tiao). In the final years of the Xiantong era, Dugu Lin, serving concurrently as Censor-in-Chief and Prefect of Xuancheng, renovated Beilou into Diezhanglou (Layered Cliff Tower), named so because of its location atop high and precipitous terrain with cliffs stacked like cicada wings. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty, Prefect Fang Fengshi renovated it and restored its name to Gaizhai. In the 40th year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1701), Prefect Xu Tingshi renovated it again and renamed it Gubeilou (Ancient North Tower). In the early years of the Guangxu reign (1875), Prefect Lu Yizhen carried out another renovation, designating the upper level as Diezhanglou and the lower level as Xietiaolou.

“The lofty heights themselves inspire awe, how much more so when ascending yet another tower.” Ascending this tower, the entire city lies within one’s palm, and the landscape fills the heart and eyes. One sees mountains and rivers interweaving, fields crisscrossing, mists shifting, and trees glowing under the clouds. To the north, Mount Jingting rises amid the plains, and to the east, two rivers meander through the white clouds. Throughout history, literati and poets have flocked here, inspired by its fame, and composed countless poems. Over 130 poems and writings about Beilou are recorded in historical texts, including masterpieces by renowned poets such as Li Bai, Bai Juyi, Du Mu, Mei Yaochen, Wen Tianxiang, Gong Shipai, Shi Runzhang, and Mei Wending. Two of Li Bai’s famous works were composed here: “The river city is like a painting, gazing at the mountains and the clear evening sky. Two rivers frame a bright mirror, twin bridges hang like rainbows. Smoke over citrus and pomelo trees feels chilly, autumn tints the phoenix trees old. Who thinks of me atop Beilou, facing the wind, thinking of Lord Xie?” “... The boundless sky sends autumn geese flying, before this scene, one can drink joyously in the high tower. The writings of Penglai hold the spirit of the Jian’an era, and among them, Younger Xie’s style is fresh and refined. We all share soaring inspiration and bold thoughts, longing to ascend to the heavens and pluck the moon. Drawing a sword to cut the water only makes it flow more, raising a cup to dispel sorrow only makes it deeper.”

Most famous towers in China gain widespread fame and attract modern tourists in droves due to a single timeless poem or essay. The Tower of Xie Tiao, established by a celebrity, named after a celebrity, and celebrated for over 1,000 years for its literary brilliance, enjoys a reputation and cultural influence unmatched in history. The Tower of Xie Tiao is one of the Four Famous Towers of the Jiangnan region. The Tower of Xie Tiao was last destroyed in the bombings by Japanese forces in 1937. After liberation, the site was turned into a martyrs' cemetery. In 1997, a new Tower of Xie Tiao, with soaring eaves, winding corridors, and an imposing presence, was reconstructed on the original site. It faces the Kaiyuan Pagoda, overlooks the Wanxi River, stands proudly in the heart of the bustling city, and commands a view of the ancient city’s renewed face.

In May 1998, the site of the Tower of Xie Tiao was designated as a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit. The site consists of a 6-meter-high platform covering an area of 1,500 square meters. To protect the ruins, a protected area extending 50 meters in all directions around the base of the site has been designated. The construction control zone extends 100 meters south, 80 meters west, and 50 meters east and north beyond the protected area. The Xie Tiao Tower Management Office and Xie Tiao Park have been established. Visionaries have called for the development of a Xie Tiao Tower scenic area, and relevant departments are planning to build a large-scale cultural square at the foot of the Tower of Xie Tiao.

“The land leaves behind its splendid relics, and we, the later generations, climb once more.” The famed tower has been revived, and the cultural spirit hopes to flourish anew.

A poem reads:

“How many times have melodies recalled Gaizhai, where Younger Xie left his traces and Li and Du came to follow.”

“Flowers of literature rain down beneath the literary stars, and the crimson tower now opens anew in the glow of sunset.”