Longguang Pagoda

Longguang Pagoda

Longguang Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Longguang Pagoda is located approximately 2 kilometers northwest of Huichang County, situated in the xin (辛) direction. Its astrological position lies between the constellations of Kui (奎) and Lou (娄) among the Twenty-Eight Mansions. It stands on the left bank of the Gong River, atop a small hill with Mesozoic purple shale as its bedrock. This "feng shui" scenic tower primarily serves to block water passages while also functioning as a scholarly peak.

Longguang Pagoda was first built in the fourth year of the Tianqi era of the Ming Dynasty (1624 AD) and took 58 years to complete, finally being constructed in the year of Renwu during the Kangxi reign (1682), making it over 380 years old. The pagoda is located three li to the left of the Xiang River as it flows westward through the county town, positioned in the xin (辛) direction, with its astrological placement between the constellations of Kui (奎) and Lou (娄). Longguang Pagoda stands 38.89 meters tall, has an eight-sided structure, with the base side measuring 4.61 meters and the longest diagonal at the base measuring 12.16 meters. The base covers an area of 116 square meters. It is an eight-sided, nine-story brick pagoda in the pavilion style, with an internal structure of "wall-inner folding, double up and double down." It is the largest existing feng shui landscape pagoda from the Ming and Qing dynasties in southern Jiangxi. According to historical records, in the 400 years before the construction of this pagoda, Huichang had only produced one imperial scholar (jinshi) and 22 successful candidates in the provincial examinations (juren). However, within the 230 years following the completion of the pagoda until the end of the Qing Dynasty, Huichang saw a flourishing of talent, producing 8 imperial scholars and 35 juren.

Due to its long history, Longguang Pagoda has suffered severe damage over the years. To preserve history, protect cultural relics, and respond to public sentiment, the "Longguang Pagoda Restoration Council of the Hakka Association of Huichang County" was established on February 25, 2008. In accordance with national cultural heritage laws and adhering to the principle of restoring the structure to its original appearance, restoration work on the pagoda began in July 2008 and was completed by December of the same year.

To enhance the functionality of the Longguang Pagoda site, from May to December 2009, the Longguang Pagoda Restoration Council implemented supporting facility projects. These included the construction of a two-story pagoda platform, a merit stele, a screen wall, two rest pavilions, a small plaza, a dock, a parking lot, and management offices. The site was also landscaped and illuminated, transforming the Longguang Pagoda area into a modern urban leisure space that integrates sightseeing, fitness, and emotional enrichment.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province