Suojiang Tower

Suojiang Tower

Suojiang Tower is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Suojiang Tower is located by the Yangtze River in Jiujiang city proper. When entering Jiujiang waters by boat, the pagoda (Wenfeng Pagoda) of Suojiang Tower comes into view, making it a symbol of Jiujiang. Originally, Suojiang Tower consisted of one building and one pagoda. In the 14th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1586), Wu Xiu, then the prefect of Jiujiang, built Suojiang Tower on HuiLong Rock by the river to prevent floods. At that time, it was called the Jiangtian Suoyue Tower, with three stories high. Beside the tower were four iron oxen used to subdue the water. Later, a 25.26-meter-high pagoda was erected south of the tower, named Wenfeng Pagoda, also known as HuiLong Pagoda. The pagoda has a wooden staircase inside that winds upward.

Located on the banks of the Yangtze River in the northeast corner of Jiujiang City, the tower stands proudly, towering into the blue sky, simple yet elegant, majestic and lofty. Its shadow locks the river, exuding subtle charm. The tower is 35 meters tall with seven stories, hexagonal and cone-shaped, built with blue bricks and stone-arched ceilings, resembling a giant pillar standing abruptly by the river. Inside the tower, there was originally a wooden staircase. Climbing up along the stairs to the top, you can look around: to the north, distant mountains appear faintly blue; to the south, the ancient city looks serene; looking up, the blue sky is magnificent; looking down, the green river ripples. As the couplet once hung here said: “Rippling reeds shimmer along the shore, while the yellow plum mountain hues drift across the river.” It is one of the Ten Scenic Spots of Xunyang. This place was originally a HuiLong Rock, where the riverbank juts out over 30 meters above the water surface. The current here is swirling and turbulent, often causing ships to run into trouble. In the 13th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, Wu Xiu, the prefect of Jiujiang, and others raised funds from the public, gathered skilled craftsmen, and built Suojiang Tower and its pagoda on the rocky outcrop. They also cast four iron oxen for protection, aiming to subdue the flood dragon, eliminate disasters, and ensure everlasting peace. Together with accompanying pavilions and terraces, they formed a harmonious and colorful ensemble. On the east wall of the first floor inside the pagoda, there is an inscribed stone tablet from the Ming Dynasty. As the name suggests, Suojiang Tower and Suojiang Pagoda were meant to lock the unruly river. Additionally, the Suojiang Pagoda was once also named after the rock, called HuiLong Pagoda. With ever-changing clouds overhead and surging waves beneath, after four hundred years of vicissitudes, the riverbank collapsed, the tower was destroyed, the oxen sank, and the pavilion fell.

Recommended visiting time: 1 hour

Transportation: In Jiujiang City, take bus No. 5 or No. 23 and get off at Suojiang Tower Station.

Ticket: Adult ticket 20 RMB (children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70, military personnel, etc., may enter free of charge with valid ID; children between 1.2–1.4 meters can enjoy a discounted ticket)

Opening hours: 8:00–17:30

Location: Binjiang Road, Xunyang District, Jiujiang City

Further reading:

· Seventh batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units