Li He Zhuangyuan Tower

Li He Zhuangyuan Tower

Li He Zhuangyuan Tower is located in Xiaguang Village, Wanjing Town, Ningyuan County, bordering the Ling River to the west. It has been repaired and maintained over several dynasties including the Yuan, Ming, and Qing. The tower was built to commemorate Li He, the top imperial scholar of the first year of the Taihe era during the Tang Emperor Wenzong’s reign. Standing 10 meters tall, 8 meters wide, and 9 meters long, it is a pavilion-style wooden structure supported by 12 pillars and features a flush-gable roof, arched eaves, and upturned corners. Majestic and spectacular, it is a county-level cultural relics protection unit.

The Zhuangyuan Tower is a square-shaped two-story pavilion with flying eaves and brackets. Having stood through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and undergone multiple renovations, it faces west and bears a plaque inscribed with “Zhuangyuan Family.” Inside the tower stands a stele titled “Record of the Reconstruction of Zhuangyuan Tower,” erected in the third month of spring in the third year of the Guangxu era (1878). Li He (808–873), courtesy name Zixuan, was the sixteenth-generation descendant of Qudaobian Gong and the foremost imperial scholar of Huguang. In the second year of the Tang Taihe era (828), he was recommended as a filial and incorrupt candidate and ranked first in the imperial examination. He was appointed as a military advisor in Henan Prefecture. At that time, Liu Ben submitted candid advice that was straightforward and sharp, but the examiners, fearing the influence of eunuchs, dared not select him. Li He said, “If Liu Ben fails to pass while we are awarded degrees, can we not feel ashamed?” He also petitioned to yield his official position to Liu Ben, but the emperor did not approve. Later, he served as Prefect of Hezhou. In his later years, he retired to his hometown, devoted himself to nature, and composed many poems, though few have survived. His works include Dice Color Selection Grid and Collected Works of Li, Prefect of He. The Supplement to the Complete Tang Poems includes four of his poems, all of which sing the praises of the beautiful scenery of Mount Jiuyi. He also invented the leaf game, the precursor to mahjong and playing cards. To this day, locals still play this game, calling it “Shang Daren.”

Stele for the Reconstruction of Zhuangyuan Tower

Tracing back to the illustrious Mount Yi, where talent flourished — ascending the Guizhou waters ahead of others, blessed with spiritual energy and seizing the top spot alone. For long we have admired the literary genius of the exiled immortal, ranking foremost without peer, as if ready to snap one’s fingers. Crowned (blue-clad) above the heroes, a memorial petition of yielding remains rare in this world, forming a timeless masterpiece. Our ancestor, Master He, was selected as a scholar in the year of Dingwu, claimed the top place in the Gengkē examination, and built this pavilion in his hometown. The vermilion brush extols his virtues, displaying the surname Li, continuing the glory of the Lingyan Pavilion, aspiring to eternal distinction. Yet after trials by fire, the foundation was rebuilt through united efforts. Alas, the master builders chosen were not of great talent, and the workmanship fell short. Thus, funds were donated for another round of repairs, and we, with shared aspirations, joined in. However, the project was massive and costly, almost exhausting considerable wealth. Now completed, this grand creation spans the universe — why should future generations need to repair it? The structure remains as before, yet the design is renewed. It may bring momentary beauty, or even inspire dragons to soar and phoenixes to rise, bringing glory to our lineage. This serves as the preface. Third month of spring, the year of Dīngchǒu, third year of the Guangxu era (1878).

Li He (dates unknown), courtesy name Mengjie, was a native of Nanzheng in Hanzhong (present-day Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province). His father, Li Jie, was an expert in Confucian classics and once served as a Doctorate. Li He first studied under his father, then furthered his education at the Imperial Academy, mastering the Five Classics and excelling in the River Chart, the Luo Writing, and the art of astrology. He was simple in character and not inclined to show off his talents, thus remaining unrecognized by people at the time.

When Emperor He of Han ascended the throne (88 AD), he sent envoys to various regions for inspection. Two envoys who went to Yizhou stayed at Li He’s home on their journey and discovered his profound knowledge. Three years later, one of them became the Prefect of Hanzhong. Because… More details on Li He++

Xiaguang Village: Xiaguang Village… More details on Xiaguang Village++