Puyang Four-Gate Tower

Puyang Four-Gate Tower

The Puyang Four-Gate Tower is a cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province.

The Four-Gate Tower, also known as the Central Pavilion, is located at the crossroads of Puyang’s old town. It stands 8.6 meters tall, with each side measuring 6.6 meters, covering an area of 43.56 square meters. The structure is made of a combination of wood and stone, featuring a square shape supported at each corner by stone pillars that uphold the pavilion roof. The roof is entirely wooden, with tightly fitted mortise-and-tenon joints. Each corner is upheld by bracket sets (dougong), and the eaves flare upwards, covered with glazed tiles that shimmer with a bluish-green gleam. The ridge of the roof is adorned with eight crouching lions, vividly crafted. Each of the four hip ridges features carvings of a dragon, a phoenix, a fish, and a horse, depicted in dynamic poses as if soaring, dancing, leaping, or galloping. Bronze bells hang from the roof’s corner ornaments (suanshou), chiming melodiously in the wind. The interior is decorated with beautiful painted patterns and intricately carved beams and columns. On the exterior, four inscribed plaques bear bold, powerful characters carved in the style of large seal script, all written by calligrapher Liu Wenxuan. The east plaque reads “Ancient Capital of Zhuanxu,” the west “Old Prefecture of Chan Yuan,” the south “Guardian of the River North,” and the north “Lock and Key of the Northern Gate,” collectively summarizing Puyang’s long history and significant geographical location. The Huiluan Stele, also known as the “Khitan Departure Stele,” is located on the west side of Yujing Street in downtown Puyang. Originally made of bluestone, the stele stands 2.6 meters tall and 1.3 meters wide, and bears a poem titled “The Khitan Depart” composed by Emperor Zhenzong of the Song Dynasty.

The plaque on the east side, inscribed with “Ancient Capital of Zhuanxu,” succinctly captures Puyang’s profound historical culture and lofty historical status.

The plaque on the south side, inscribed with “Guardian of the River North,” vividly illustrates how the ancient Prefecture of Chan (Puyang) was a vital stronghold in the northern regions and a strategically important location in the country.

The plaque on the west side, inscribed with “Old Prefecture of Chan Yuan,” further highlights Puyang’s long history and significant standing.

The plaque on the north side of the Four-Gate Tower, inscribed with “Lock and Key of the Northern Gate,” reflects Puyang’s former military strategic importance.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Henan Province