Rongxian Zhennan Pagoda

Rongxian Zhennan Pagoda

Rongxian Zhennan Pagoda is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Commonly known as the White Pagoda, Zhennan Pagoda stands majestically atop Longtou Mountain, 500 meters south of the town.

Built during the Song Dynasty, Zhennan Pagoda has been largely well-preserved. It features a brick-and-stone structure modeled after Song-style architecture. Though it appears to be a closely eaved pagoda from the outside, it is actually a pavilion-style tower. The base is a square Sumeru pedestal, 2 meters high with each side measuring 7.8 meters. The main body of the pagoda is square-shaped, with sculptures of arhats, temples, plaques, and similar figures on its exterior. It appears to have eleven tiers that taper upward, with windows on each level. Inside, there are five floors supported by a solid central pillar. A spiral staircase of 66 steps winds around the central pillar up to the top. The ground floor has an arched gate decorated with 12 wooden-style bracket sets (dougong). The top of the pagoda is shaped like an inverted basin. The total height of the pagoda is 21.6 meters.

During the Tang and Song Dynasties, Rongcheng was the seat of the Rongzhou government. “The city embraces five rivers and borders two waterways.” The name Zhennan, meaning “to guard the south,” truly reflects its role as a guardian of the surrounding mountains and rivers. It serves to “embellish the landscape.” As described in the verse, “The white pagoda soars past peaks like jade.” Climbing to the top of the pagoda offers a panoramic view of the entire town, with distant mountains and nearby waters spread out before you. In the eyes of literati and poets, the shape of Zhennan Pagoda resembles a “writing brush” that dances and soars through the sky, competing for supremacy. Thus, the white pagoda has also come to symbolize success and prosperity in scholarly and official achievements. Liu Deyu, an educational officer in Rongxian during the Qing Dynasty, wrote the following poem:

The dragon-shaped mountain peak is exquisitely formed,

The writing brush towers proudly into the vast sky.

Piercing the clouds, it rivals the painted sun,

While drifting through mist and rain, it teases the rainbow.

The hall of three teachings still stands firm,

The fortress gates lock in a majestic aura.

Who alone claims the glory of scholarly fame?