Chaozhou Phoenix Tower

Chaozhou Phoenix Tower

Chaozhou Phoenix Tower is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.

One of the Eight Scenic Spots of Chaozhou – Dragon Pool Pagoda

The Dragon Pool Pagoda is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Chaozhou. Originally, it referred to a stone pagoda built during the Song Dynasty on a small islet in the Han River, north of Chaozhou city. Beneath the pagoda were lush, dense woods and an elegant, tranquil temple, together forming a magnificent and picturesque scene with the surrounding landscape. Initially named “Anchored Boats by the Pagoda Courtyard,” it was so called because pleasure boats often moored there. It was also known as the Dragon Pool Pagoda due to the nearby “Dragon’s Pool Spring.” Unfortunately, the pagoda collapsed during the Qing Dynasty, the temple fell into disrepair, and the remaining base was later washed away by floods. Now, this scenic spot is represented by the classic charm of the “Phoenix Tower” on the eastern bank of the Han River. The Phoenix Tower is located in Hexi Village, about 2 kilometers southeast of downtown Chaozhou, standing on the southeast bank where the East and North Creeks of the Han River fork. This seven-story, octagonal ancient brick-and-stone pagoda, commonly known as Hexi Tower, is officially named Phoenix Tower. It was first built in the 13th year of the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli reign and renovated in the 30th year of the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi reign.

The Phoenix Tower was first built in the 13th year of the Ming Wanli reign (1585) and renovated in the 30th year of the Qing Qianlong reign (1765). The tower stands 45.8 meters tall, with a base perimeter of 46.6 meters and walls over 2 meters thick. It has seven stories and is octagonal in shape, constructed from stone and brick, representing a massive engineering feat. The first and second stories are built of stone, while the third story and above are made of brick. The tower is hollow inside, with spiral staircases between the inner and outer walls leading to the top. From the railing, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city of Chaozhou.

The iron gourd at the top of the tower is 3 meters high and weighs over 20,000 jin (approximately 10 metric tons). The base of the tower, featuring a Sumeru pedestal, is intricately carved with various auspicious animals and delicate flowers, including dragons, phoenixes, cranes, horses, and sheep. The corners of the pedestal are also engraved with variously shaped and posed strongman figures. The tower gate faces northwest, flanked by a couplet written by Guo Zizhang, the prefect of Chaozhou during the Ming Wanli reign: “A jade pillar holds up the sky, the phoenix rises from Red Mountain marking seven levels; a golden wheel rests on the earth, the dragon coils in the Crimson Sea guarding the Three Yangs.” The Phoenix Tower is situated on the eastern bank of the Han River, right at the critical point where the river splits, in a strategically important location. For nearly 400 years, it has withstood typhoons, floods, and earthquakes, yet still stands firmly.

In July 1962, it was listed as a Provincial Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Location

Fuyong Town, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units