Autumn Wind Tower

Autumn Wind Tower

Located at the northeast corner of the ancient Temple of the Earth Goddess in Wanrong County, Shanxi Province. It earned its name from the stele inscribed with Emperor Wu of Han’s “Autumn Wind Ode,” which is housed inside. The exact date of its construction is unknown, but its current architectural form dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The tower stands 30 meters tall, with a grand elevated base at the bottom that runs from north to south. It is surrounded by decorative brick railings, and features carved horizontal plaques on the east and west sides — the eastern one is inscribed with “Gazing at Lu,” while the western one is inscribed with “Gazing at Qin.”

The tower has three stories, with a five-bay width and surrounding corridors. It features a cross-shaped hip-and-gable roof. The first and second floors each have a slightly protruding turtle-base room on all four sides, topped with tiled roofs and forward-facing gable decorations. The second and third floors have bracket sets or open corridors under the eaves. From the railings, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surging Yellow River. The proportions of the tower are well-balanced, the bracket sets under the eaves are simple yet refined, and the overall structure is exquisitely ancient yet majestic. The third floor houses a stone engraving of Emperor Wu of Han’s “Autumn Wind Ode” from the Yuandade era: “The autumn wind rises, white clouds drift; / The grass and trees wither, wild geese head south. / The orchids are elegant, the chrysanthemums fragrant; / I think of my beloved and cannot forget. / Sailing a grand boat across the Fen River, / Riding the midstream, raising pure waves. / Flutes and drums sound, oar songs ring out; / In utmost joy, sorrow also abounds. / When will youth return? How can I bear old age?”