Chengde Kuixing Tower

Chengde Kuixing Tower

Chengde Kuixing Tower is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The Kuixing Tower Scenic Area is situated atop Banbi Mountain in the southern part of Chengde City. It covers an area of 50,000 square meters, with its 800-meter-long surrounding wall constructed from tiger-skin patterned stone and blue bricks featuring crenellations that meander along the mountain cliffs like a giant dragon, harmonizing with the main tower and amplifying the visual impact of the scenery. The core scenic zone comprises several sets of Qing-style imitation buildings, spread across an area dozens of times larger than the original site, and includes many newly added landscapes rich in cultural significance. The entire architectural complex is vibrant in color and majestic in scale.

The main structures of the Kuixing Tower Scenic Area are built along the contours of the mountain, rising tier upon tier from top to bottom in the sequence of tower, corridor, hall, pavilion, and garden, showcasing a distinctive Taoist architectural style. The main tower stands atop the mountain peak, reaching towards the sky with imposing grandeur, and enshrines the deity Kuixing, who blesses literary success and crowns top scholars. The stele corridor halfway up the mountain is spacious and expansive, inlaying 68 stone tablets engraved with portraits of ancient sages, 16 special tablets related to Taoism and the belief in Kuixing, as well as 11 large wooden bas-reliefs depicting scenes that embody the essence of China's 5,000-year culture, inspiring future generations to strive for academic excellence. Below this are the Rongshi (Prosperous Officials) and Leshi (Happy Truth) Halls, which house brightly colored wooden statues of the Eight Immortals representing "Wealth, Rank, Prosperity, Peace" and "Longevity, Joy, Harmony." The background murals are delightful and meaningful. The entrance hall features a series of murals depicting the Taoist guardian deity Zhang Tianshi and others, all rendered in the li fen miao jin (contouring and gold-tracing) technique, making the deities vividly lifelike — truly masterpieces of temple mural art. On both sides of the entrance hall are hundreds of rare calligraphic works and pearls of wisdom from notable figures. Beneath the 36 Dan Steps, symbolizing Taoism’s 36 grotto-heavens, stands a grand Dragon Gate, which corresponds visually with the Kuixing Tower’s “Cai Dou” (Talent Vessel) and “Zhu Bi” (Ink Brush) held by the hand of the deity.

The green garden area on the plaza displays thousands of years of Taoist culture and over a millennium of ancient imperial examination heritage. The “Wu Kui Garden” presents the procedures of ancient Chinese imperial examinations and the true meanings of the “Five Classics.” The “Eight Immortals Worship Kuixing Garden” offers insight into the formation, rankings, and profound intricacies of the various deities in Chinese Taoism.

A row of workshops dedicated to Chengde’s folk crafts lines the eastern side of the garden area. Here, visitors can not only purchase unique travel souvenirs but also watch Chengde folk artisans demonstrate their extraordinary skills, such as paper-cutting, cloth-mache, clay sculpture, and cloth painting. The scenic area’s theater stage and plaza host regularly scheduled cultural performances related to the legend of Kuixing crowning top scholars and ancient imperial examinations, and visitors are welcome to take part in these activities.

The landscaping and greening within the scenic area feature a unique style that complements the Taoist and folk atmosphere. There are independently designed garden areas such as the Peony Garden, Cherry Garden, Date Garden, Xiangchun Garden, and Red Fruit Garden. Throughout spring, summer, and autumn, visitors can admire the flowers, enjoy the scenery, and sample seasonal fresh fruits.

Springs emerge from Banbi Mountain, believed to be the “Spring of Wisdom.” The clear water flows continuously, cool and refreshing, abundant yet never overflowing. Along one side of the spring, the steep cliffs of Banbi Mountain are connected by iron chains forming a cliffside plank walkway stretching over a hundred meters. Around the summit of Banbi Mountain, seven stone-made star lamps are arranged in pattern, seemingly narrating the beliefs and legends of the Big Dipper. The scenic area also provides wooden cabins for dining and resting, along with other recreational facilities. On traditional festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival, large-scale events such as Taoist rituals and temple fairs are held.