Dongshan Wen Tower

Dongshan Wen Tower

Dongshan Wen Tower is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

Dongshan Wen Tower is located in Anfu County, Jiangxi Province, and is a famous ancient architectural structure in China. The earliest version of Dongshan Wen Tower is said to have been supervised by Lu Su of the Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period but later collapsed. It was rebuilt on the original site during the Xuanhe era of the Song Dynasty, but collapsed again in the 16th year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty. The current Dongshan Wen Tower was reconstructed in the 21st year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. The tower is 40 meters high, has nine levels and eight sides, and is a pavilion-style brick tower with an exquisite and majestic ancient design. As early as 1959, it was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province. Due to long-term natural weathering, the tower edges, eaves, and foundation have all been damaged to varying degrees. Weeds grow on the tower, and the structure has expanded in multiple areas. More seriously, in recent years, increased rainfall has caused slight subsidence of the foundation, and the tower body has tilted nearly ten degrees to the southeast, urgently requiring restoration. It is hoped that relevant departments will pay attention to this issue.

According to the Annals of Anfu County, the earliest predecessor of the tower was a small stone pagoda built under the supervision of Lu Su of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period, which collapsed after the Jin dynasties. During the Xuanhe era of the Song Dynasty (1120–1125), a brick pagoda was rebuilt on the original site along with the construction of Dongshan Chan Temple, hence the name “Dongshan Chan Temple Pagoda.” In the 16th year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty (1521), it collapsed again, and was rebuilt in the 21st year of the Jiajing reign (1542) on the remaining three-tiered base. During the Song Dynasty, Dongshan Wen Tower functioned as a “Buddhist pagoda” integrated with the temple. After reconstruction in the Ming Dynasty, it became associated with Confucianism and Daoist feng shui, transforming into a "literary tower" symbolizing the flourishing of culture and scholarly success. Its name was thus changed to “Dongshan Wen Tower.”

Dongshan Wen Tower is a pavilion-style imitation wooden structure made of blue bricks. The tower is 45 meters tall with a Sumeru pedestal foundation. The base circumference at the bottom level is 34.4 meters, gradually narrowing toward the top. The overall silhouette is pyramidal, resembling a giant brush dipped in thick ink reaching into the clouds... From the niches inside the tower, one can overlook the panoramic view of the county town. To the east of the tower lies Menggang Ridge Forest Park, with lush trees and drifting clouds; below the tower, a small stream meanders into the Lushui River, with picturesque bridges and blooming rice fields along the riverbank; to the west, one can glimpse the grandeur of the Anfu Confucius Temple hall, while to the north, one can gaze at Dongyuan Pavilion, appreciating the charm of the ancient Taoist temple. The hustle and bustle of modern civilization, vibrant streetscapes, and rows of high-rise buildings create a striking contrast with the tower. Dongshan Wen Tower was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province in 1959 and was included in the "Dictionary of Scenic Spots in China" in 1996.

Location of the Attraction

Jiangnan Road, Anfu County, Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province

Pingdu Town: Pingdu Town is the seat of Anfu County government and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the entire county. The town covers a total area of 78.2 square kilometers, with 28,725 mu of arable land, 53,100 mu of forested area, and a population of 76,000. It administers 19 administrative villages, 155 villager groups, and 142 natural villages. The town is home to scenic and historical sites such as the Confucius Temple, Dongshan Wen Tower, Dongyuan Pavilion, and Lianfang Nunnery. Since ancient times, it has produced many talented individuals, including historical figures such as Wang Tinggui, Ouyang Bijin, and Wang Zaoshi.

The Pingdu Town Party Committee and government firmly uphold the concept of scientific development. Focusing on “opening up to strengthen the town, ... Pingdu Town detailed information++

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province