Wenhua Pagoda – Zhuangyuan Pagoda

Wenhua Pagoda – Zhuangyuan Pagoda

Wenhua Pagoda – Zhuangyuan Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Hunan Province.

Wenhua Pagoda is located in Bajia, Wenhua Town, Xiangyin, while Zhuangyuan Pagoda is situated on the riverbed of the eastern bank of the Xiang River, three kilometers north of the center of Wenhua Town, Xiangyin County.

Wenhua Pagoda, also known as Bajia Pagoda, was originally built during the Song and Yuan dynasties but later collapsed. In the 50th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1785 AD), Magistrate Li Bing stated: “Xiangyin has long been a place of literary heritage, and is located by the shores of Dongting Lake, with the majestic Jade Pool and Shen Ding standing to the east, and the confluence of the Xiang and Yuan rivers to the west.” To enhance the local scenic landscape, he initiated a fundraising campaign for its reconstruction. The pagoda was built using three layers of smooth flagstones from the Third Year of the Daoguang reign, with seven tiers and eight sides, reaching a total height of 31.50 meters. The base is 0.84 meters high with each side measuring 4.8 meters, covering an area of approximately 98 square meters. With its exquisite design and picturesque location by the scenic East Lake, the pagoda presents a magnificent sight. After its completion, it attracted numerous visitors. Climbing to the top offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and historic sites, inspiring many poets and scholars to compose verses that have been widely passed down.

Zhuangyuan Pagoda, also known as Wulong Pagoda, was, in the 50th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1785 AD), advocated for reconstruction by Magistrate Li Bing to enhance the local scenery, in response to the folk saying “When the Wulong shows its horn, a Zhuangyuan (top imperial scholar) is born.” Due to insufficient funding, the pagoda’s spire was not completed at that time. It was not until the 3rd year of the Jiaqing reign (1798 AD) that Magistrate Li Qifeng added the spire. The pagoda is octagonal with seven tiers, reaching a total height of 31.80 meters and covering an area of about 120 square meters. Records were made by Zhong Daole in the 50th year of Qianlong and by Li Qifeng in the 3rd year of Jiaqing. As it stands facing Wenhua Pagoda from afar, together they are called the “Twin Pagodas Soaring in the Clouds,” and are one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Xiangyin.

Further Reading:

· Ninth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hunan Province