Dongwu Stone Pagoda

Dongwu Stone Pagoda

The Dongwu Stone Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province.

The Dongwu Stone Pagoda is located in Dongwu Village, Dongpu Town, Xiuyu District. It was built in the 46th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1618), modeled after a wooden pavilion, and is an octagonal, seven-story stone pagoda. It stands 21.54 meters tall, with each side of the base measuring 2.11 meters. The main entrance on the ground floor faces 8 degrees northeast, and the doors on each level are staggered. The entrance on the ground floor is flanked by carvings of warriors, and each level has niches housing Buddha statues. The lintels of the tower doors on each level are inscribed with phrases such as “Praying for the Sage’s Grandeur,” “Fragrance of the Ancient Temple,” “Sea Dragon Peak,” and the construction date of the pagoda. The pedestal of the stone pagoda features exquisite bas-reliefs of birds and beasts. The elegant design of the pagoda reflects the level of stone carving craftsmanship and the architectural characteristics of pagodas during the Ming Dynasty in Putian. It serves as a valuable resource for studying the pagoda-building techniques and architectural culture along the southeast coast during the Ming era. The attached Golden Rooster Temple exhibits architectural features typical of coastal buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Dongwu Stone Pagoda was designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province in 2009.

Built in the 46th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1618), the Dongwu Stone Pagoda stands approximately 30 meters tall and is constructed from seven stories of octagonal bluestone. The eight sides of the pagoda’s base feature bas-reliefs of animals such as dragons, tigers, lions, deer, cranes, and qilins, all uniquely shaped and vividly crafted. On either side of the pagoda’s entrance stand two guardian statues of generals, majestic and imposing. The lintels above the doors on each level are inscribed with phrases such as “Spiritual Elegance,” “Serene Chants over Sea and Sky,” “Dragon Peak over Sea and Mountain,” “Fragrance of the Ancient Temple,” and “Praying for the Sage’s Grandeur,” with incantations carved below. Inside the pagoda, zigzagging stone stairs lead to the top, allowing visitors to climb up and enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful harbor scenery.

On either side of the pagoda’s entrance stand two guardian statues of generals, majestic and imposing. The lintels above the doors on each level are inscribed with phrases such as “Spiritual Elegance,” “Serene Chants over Sea and Sky,” “Dragon Peak over Sea and Mountain,” “Fragrance of the Ancient Temple,” and “Praying for the Sage’s Grandeur,” with incantations carved below. Inside the pagoda, zigzagging stone stairs lead to the top, allowing visitors to climb and gaze out over the beautiful Xiuyu Harbor from the railing.

During the Song Dynasty, Dongwu Village was called “Xilian.” In the 4th year of the Xining reign (1071), Xilian City was established. It was once a bustling seaside market town, and remnants of a 116-meter-long ancient fortress wall still remain today. A local saying goes: “A day in Xilian, three days’ worth of stories.” This means that Xilian Fort was so lively and filled with a dazzling array of goods that it would take three days to describe everything seen and heard. However, during the late Ming Dynasty, when Japanese pirates raided the area and people were relocated due to border shifts, Xilian Fort gradually declined. Today, the village has many overseas Chinese relatives and Taiwanese family members—nearly half of the households have kin abroad. In recent years, an increasing number of people have returned to trace their roots, pay homage to ancestors, or invest in local development. Dongwu Village is situated in the central area between Meizhou Island and Xiuyu Port. With its deep, non-silting harbor and calm waters, it is a rare natural harbor and an important part of both the Meizhou Island National Tourist Resort and the Xiuyu Port Development Zone. The Dongwu Stone Pagoda is attracting more attention and admiration from people around the world.

Dongwu Village: Dongwu Village…… More detailed information about Dongwu Village++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Fujian Province