Xunyang Tower

Xunyang Tower

Xunyang Tower is located on the banks of the Yangtze River, outside Jiuhuamen in Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. The name "Xunyang Tower" first appeared in the poetry of Wei Yingwu, the governor of Jiangzhou during the Tang Dynasty. Later, Bai Juyi described the surrounding scenery in his poem "Inscription on Xunyang Tower," but it was the classic novel *Water Margin* that truly made Xunyang Tower famous. The stories of Song Jiang inscribing an anti-government poem and Li Kui rescuing him from the execution ground in the novel brought Xunyang Tower widespread renown.

Xunyang Tower derives its name from Jiujiang’s ancient designation as Xunyang. Although the exact year of its initial construction is unknown, references in poems by Tang Dynasty poet and Jiangzhou governor Wei Yingwu (during the Zhenyuan era of Emperor Dezong), such as “Having just left my post in Yongyang, I now rest at Xunyang Tower,” as well as works by Bai Juyi, a poet and Jiangzhou magistrate during the Yuanhe era of Emperor Xianzong, and Tong Fahai, a Qing Dynasty poet and military official from the Kangxi era, show that Xunyang Tower has existed continuously from the Tang to the Qing Dynasty and was quite sizable.

Jiujiang, backed by Mount Lu and bordering the Yangtze River, is the northernmost city in Jiangxi Province and also a renowned historical and cultural city. The city boasts many scenic spots, including Xunyang Tower. Xunyang Tower

The current Xunyang Tower was rebuilt in 1987 by the Jiujiang Municipal People's Government. It covers a total area of 2,000 square meters. The main tower occupies 300 square meters, stands 21 meters tall, and features three exterior floors and four interior floors, with a nine-ridged roof, soaring dragon-like eaves, crimson tiles, red railings, and corridors on all four sides. It presents an ancient and solemn appearance, with a built-up area of 1,000 square meters. The tower was designed by engineer Xiang Xinran, who had previously worked on the design of Yellow Crane Tower. During the design process, he referenced illustrations from the *Water Margin* published in the *Yuzhuan Edition* and the architectural style depicted in the Song Dynasty painting *Along the River During the Qingming Festival*. A large plaque inscribed with the name "Xunyang Tower" by Zhao Puchu hangs under the eaves on both the north and south sides of the tower.

Xunyang Tower takes its name from Jiujiang’s ancient designation as Xunyang. Originally a folk tavern, it has a history of 1,200 years. As Jiujiang has long been a vital transportation hub and economically prosperous city on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, the imposing Xunyang Tower by the river has always been a gathering place for notable figures. Poets and writers such as Bai Juyi, Wei Yingwu, and Su Dongpo have all ascended the tower to compose poetry, leaving behind many widely celebrated anecdotes. Furthermore, Shi Nai’an’s novel *Water Margin*, in which one of the main characters—Song Jiang—drunkenly inscribed an anti-government poem at Xunyang Tower, has immortalized the tower alongside the famous literary work. As a result, Xunyang Tower has gained international fame, attracting visitors from all walks of life. In March 1995, General Secretary [Jiang Zemin] visited Jiujiang and also ascended Xunyang Tower, where he happily signed his name as a memento.

Xunyang Tower is a building with typical Song Dynasty architectural style and also serves as a tourist attraction integrating sightseeing, tea drinking, storytelling, and dining. A plaque inscribed with the name "Xunyang Tower" by Zhao Puchu, the president of the Buddhist Association of China and a calligrapher, is prominently displayed. The ancient couplet reading "No wine compares in this world; no tower is as famed as this" attracts countless visitors to pause and admire.

On the east and west walls of the first-floor hall are inlaid two large porcelain murals, vividly depicting scenes such as "Song Jiang Sentenced to Jiangzhou," "Song Jiang Inscribing an Anti-Government Poem at Xunyang Tower," "Huang Wenbing Plotting Against Song Jiang," and "Liangshan Heroes Rescuing Song Jiang from Execution." These add a legendary aura to Xunyang Tower. The hall also displays the only complete set of porcelain figurines of the 108 heroes from *Water Margin* found in any tourist attraction in China. This artwork vividly brings the heroic figures to life for visitors. Calligraphy and painting enthusiasts can also appreciate numerous artworks, poems, and couplets created by master artists within the tower.

The second floor’s Loyalty Hall is the site where Song Jiang once drunkenly composed his poem. It still offers the same type of wine Song Jiang drank, known as "Blue Bridge Moonlight," as well as a uniquely featured "Water Margin Feast." Here, visitors can enjoy the refined pleasure of drinking in the breeze. The second floor also exhibits books on the history of Xunyang Tower and photographs of local scenic spots.

The third floor is a corridor primarily displaying calligraphy and paintings.

The fourth floor is a teahouse and also the best spot for enjoying the view, furnished with antique-style tables and chairs. Xunyang Tower blends a famous tower, a famous literary work, and famous wine into one attraction. Visitors can gaze at Mount Lu in the distance and the Yangtze River up close while listening to guides elaborate on each scenic spot, making for a truly engaging experience. Indoors, visitors can enjoy tea in the cool shade and listen to captivating Beijing storytelling, immersing themselves in a unique ambiance.

With its distinctive style, Xunyang Tower attracts visitors from all directions. As Jiujiang rapidly develops and the global reputation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Mount Lu continues to rise, Xunyang Tower is drawing increasing attention worldwide. This ancient yet vibrant tower, rich in cultural significance, is destined to become a shining pearl along the Yangtze River.

Suggested Duration

2 hours

Transportation

Take bus routes 5, 12, or 23 and get off at Xunyang Tower Station.

Admission

Adult ticket: 20 RMB (Children under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 are exempt; children between 1.2–1.4 meters and students receive a 50% discount with valid ID)

08:30~17:00

Opening Hours

Location