Yuanpu Tower

Yuanpu Tower

Yuanpu Tower is situated in the middle section of the beautiful Riverside Avenue. To its left, it stands about 200 meters from the Xiangjiang River Bridge, and to its right lies the riverside scenic garden area. It derives its name from one of the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang — “Distant Shores and Returning Sails.” Built in 2004, the tower is a three-story, four-eave pavilion-style structure. The first floor is surrounded by stone railings, allowing visitors to gaze into the distance. At the central positions of the top levels at both the front and back, as well as on the gate tower, hang plaques inscribed with the names “Yuanpu Tower” and “Distant Shores and Returning Sails,” penned by notable calligraphers. The two stone pillars on either side of the front and back ground floors are adorned with the opening lines of the poem “Xiangyin” by the Qing Dynasty poet Zhan Daoxin: “Of the Five Sacred Mountains, only Hengshan rises; among the Three Xiangs, this place alone is so clear.” The ingeniously designed Yuanpu Tower presents before people a magnificent scroll of classical Chinese architectural art.

The Xiang and Zi Rivers run through Xiangyin, connecting to the Yangtze River and the sea, making water transportation highly convenient. On the eastern bank of the Xiang River, Nandemen Port and Caixi Port in the county town serve as sheltered harbors for mooring boats. The southern end of Caixi Port is lush with green mountains and forests. Since the Tang Dynasty, pavilions have been built atop the highest points here, where people would offer wine or enjoy tea while admiring the river scenery. Between the two ports lies the best vantage point to view the scene of “Distant Shores and Returning Sails.” From an elevated position, to the south you can see the verdant beauty of Qinzhu Temple, WuKui Mountain, Laozha Mouth, and Bian’dan Gorge stretching over ten li away. To the north, you can gaze upon the vast misty waters of Wulongzui, Bainihu, Doumi Mouth, and Lulin Pool. To the west, you’ll spot fishing nets drying on straw sheds and the lights and smoke rising from fishing boats on Helong Lake. The northern and southern ends of the eastern bank, Nandemen Port and Caixi Port, offer mooring spots for boats. When the sun sets, the scene of “Distant Shores and Returning Sails” unfolds before your eyes: the river is like a ribbon, the lake mirrors the sky, the willow-lined shores are hazy, the distant hills appear ink-blue, the waters blend seamlessly with the horizon, and the sunset clouds fly together with lone ducks. Countless white sails dot the river, oar sounds drift gently, wild geese honk as they migrate southward, and travelers yearn to return home. As dusk falls, sails layer upon layer, boats dock in succession, and people on shore stand by the river, waiting for their loved ones to return safely. The joy of reunion after long separation, the happiness of a bountiful fishing catch, the contentment of successful business ventures, and the good news of achievements and honors all come together to form a vivid and heartfelt picture of human kinship.

After the noise fades, a bright moon and countless stars rise above the great river. The Xiang River shimmers like silver, lanterns twinkle, fishing fires, starlight, boat shadows, and the city skyline float within the boundless blue waters. This is the naturally formed painting of “Distant Shores and Returning Sails.”

During the Yuanyou era of the Northern Song Dynasty, the renowned painter and calligrapher Mi Fu created the “Eight Views of Xiaoxiang” along with accompanying poems. The Eight Views depict the natural landscapes of the Xiang River basin: Distant Shores and Returning Sails, Night Rain over Xiaoxiang, Autumn Moon over Dongting Lake, Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank, Evening Bell from the Misty Temple, Sunset Glow over the Fishing Village, Clear Mist over the Mountain Market, and Snowfall at Dusk on the River. For over a thousand years, the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang have enjoyed fame both in China and abroad. In the Hunan Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, painted porcelain vases featuring the Eight Views of Xiaoxiang are on display.

Yuanpu Tower embodies the spirit and ideals of the people of Xiangyin. Standing at the crossroads of history and modernity, it showcases a splendid and enchanting charm.