Chao'an Sanyuan Pagoda

Chao'an Sanyuan Pagoda

Sanyuan Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Chaozhou City.

Sanyuan Pagoda is located on Liyu Mountain in Jingwei Township, Jiangdong Town, Chao'an County, facing Mao'ao Mountain across the river from several dozen feet away. During flood seasons, the river surges with rapid currents, locally referred to as "Jishui" (Rushing Water), hence the pagoda is also known as the "Jishui Pagoda."

The Sanyuan Pagoda was first built in the 33rd year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1605 AD) and completed in the 35th year of the Wanli reign (1607 AD). It is an eight-sided, seven-story structure with a brick-and-stone construction and bracket sets extending beyond the eaves. The pagoda’s main gate faces northwest, with a plaque inscribed in regular script with the three characters “Sanyuan Pagoda.” On both sides are stone-carved couplets: “A rosy beacon pierces the heavens through three thousand realms; a steadfast pillar stands firm against the tides across ninety thousand miles.” The pagoda is fifteen zhang and three chi tall, with a base circumference of fourteen zhang. The interior of the pagoda is hollow, with spiral stone stairs leading up. Each level features a caisson ceiling constructed of stone and inlaid with various carved stone relief patterns. The inner wall of the fifth level bears an inscription titled “Sanyuan Pagoda Inscription,” composed by Lin Xichun, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the Ming Dynasty: “To the east of Fengcheng, a clear pool of water; two mountains stand opposite, where countless streams converge. Left lofty, right yielding, the ornamental pillars rise prominently. It was the year of Wanli, when all opinions aligned. Built in the year of Yisi, completed in the year of Dingwei, embracing Xun and facing Qian, a solitary pillar soars into the sky. Paths wind inward, unaware of one's elevation; windows peer at starry rivers, eaves disperse the winds. Heaven and earth seem small, cloud steps connect above, shadows sway over golden temples, a steadfast pillar in the midst of tides. Everlasting and firm, a new essence resounds, champions emerge in succession, the nation thrives and the people prosper.” This vividly describes the process of building the pagoda and the majestic grandeur of the structure.

In the 1918 (Wuwu year) Chaozhou earthquake, the Sanyuan Pagoda suffered severe damage—the spire and the upper half of the first level collapsed—but the lower five levels remained intact.

Jingmei Village: Jingmei Village

Jingmei Village is situated on the eastern side of the central part of Jiangdong Town, approximately 13.9 kilometers north of Anbu, the county seat of Chao'an. It lies 2.2 kilometers east of the Jiangdong Town government office, adjacent to the western bank of the Jishui section of the Han River East Branch.

The village was established during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1403–1424). At that time, the 148th-generation ancestor of the Liu family, Dongxing Gong, migrated from Xiapu in Raoping to this area to establish the settlement. The Liu Family Ancestral Hall, “Shide Hall,” features a couplet documenting this: “From Bai Zhou reaching Chaozhou, the origins run long and undivided; originally from Rao County, now settled in Hai County, with deep roots and flourishing branches.”

Jingmei Village was originally called “Jingwei.” When the village was first established, it was located at the tail end of Jishui Mountain... More details about Jingmei Village ++