Longnan Dragon Head Pagoda

Longnan Dragon Head Pagoda

The Dragon Head Pagoda is situated atop Dragon Head Mountain at the boundary between Longnan County and Quannan County. Legend has it that it was built in the late Qing Dynasty as a feng shui pagoda, initiated by a member of the Huang family from Longzhou Village in present-day Longnan Town. One explanation for its construction is that the Longtou Shoal area of the Taojiang River was particularly hazardous at the time, with many submerged reefs, perilous rapids, towering gorges, and fierce waves. Water spirits were believed to cause frequent boat and raft accidents. As one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Longnan—Dragon Head Snow Waves—it referred to the foamy waves crashing against the rocks at the shoal, resembling white snowflakes fluttering through the air. To suppress evil spirits and protect passing boats, locals raised funds to build the Dragon Head Pagoda. Another account states that Dragon Head Mountain marks the water outlet of Longnan County. The county is considered a geomantically superior location with a nearly perfect feng shui layout. The high mountains north of the Taojiang River block the incoming yin energy from the north, while the continuous peaks to the south do not obstruct the yang energy flowing from the south. The three rivers—Wo River, Lian River, and Tao River—meander through the surrounding mountains and converge near Longzhou in the county town, symbolizing wealth continuously flowing into Longnan’s embrace. To prevent the river from swiftly carrying away this prosperity, the Dragon Head Pagoda was erected atop the mountain at the water outlet, acting like a key to lock the “water mouth.” This was believed to retain local talent and wealth, counteracting the feng shui flaw of the river’s eastward flow.

The Dragon Head Pagoda stands approximately 25 meters tall and consists of seven stories. It has a regular hexagonal brick-and-stone structure, with each floor decreasing slightly in height from the 3.8-meter base level upwards. The outer walls of the base measure 2.9 meters per side, with an inner cavity of 1.1 meters per side. The base wall is 1.6 meters thick. A single arched doorway faces south on the ground floor, standing 1.8 meters tall and 0.6 meters wide—just wide enough for one person to pass through. The exterior of the pagoda was originally painted with lime, giving it a bright white appearance. Due to years of neglect, the exterior walls have eroded significantly, and the original couplet above the door has completely disappeared. A noticeable crack caused by lightning strikes runs along the pagoda, adding a sense of antiquity and solemnity to this weathered ancient structure.

Majestically towering over the rugged peak of Dragon Head Mountain, the Dragon Head Pagoda is a spectacular sight. Beyond its role in suppressing evil and offering prayers, it also serves as a prominent landmark and a visual delight. From the precipitous heights of the pagoda, visitors can look down upon the newly built Longtou Hydropower Station at the mountain’s base. The once fierce and turbulent Taojiang River has been transformed into a serene reservoir, like an elegant, winding green ribbon nestled quietly among the emerald-green mountain ranges. Gazing into the distance, the beautiful Longnan County unfolds with its undulating high-rises and neatly arranged buildings, offering a breathtaking panorama where urban development harmonizes with natural landscapes—a modern, eco-friendly green city emerges vividly before your eyes.

Further Reading:

· The Four Pagodas of Longnan