Phoenix Tower

Phoenix Tower

Phoenix Tower, located on Phoenix Mountain in the heart of Guangyuan City, stands 42 meters tall with 14 stories of pavilions, forming an integrated whole with Phoenix Mountain and resembling a phoenix looking back when viewed from afar. At night, when the colorful lights on the tower are lit, it looks like a gleaming golden phoenix. Built in 1988 and completed in 1989, the main structure is made of reinforced concrete with a golden glazed tile roof. Each floor features an observation deck for sightseeing, surrounded by aluminum alloy tea-colored glass windows. It combines the classic elegance of ancient architecture with the grandeur and luxury of modern design. On the main southern gate hangs a couplet: the upper line reads “This is the foremost renowned garden in northern Sichuan,” and the lower line states “Yet this tower of splendor stands alone without equal.” The couplet on the northern gate was inscribed by former Sichuan Provincial Party Committee Secretary Yang Rudai, with the upper line saying “The Gate of Northern Sichuan Opens” and the lower line “The Phoenix Returns.” Each floor inside the tower displays calligraphy and paintings by celebrated contemporary artists. From the tower, visitors can clearly see the entire city of Guangyuan, where the new and old districts blend seamlessly. The mighty Jialing River and murmuring Nanhe River flow through the city like two jade ribbons, while rows of delicate and colorful high-rises dot the landscape. In the distance, layers of mountains rise like dragons rising and tigers leaping. The ancient Huangze Temple and Thousand Buddha Cliff spread the legacy of ancient civilization, while speeding trains and state-of-the-art enterprises broadcast the pulse of modern life. A visit to Phoenix Tower fills one with a feeling of joy and freedom from worldly concerns. Truly, Phoenix Tower stands as an iconic, magnificently designed landmark. The name “Phoenix Tower” is closely linked to Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty. According to reliable historical records, Wu Zetian was born in Guangyuan in the seventh year of the Wude Era of the Tang Dynasty (624 AD). During her birth, a phoenix circled the house once and then flew east toward the mountain. Her father, who was then the Governor of Lizhou, immediately renamed the mountain Phoenix Mountain. At the age of 14, Wu Zetian was selected to join the imperial palace as a ‘Talented Lady’ under Emperor Taizong of Tang, and later became an empress herself. However, she never forgot her birthplace, Guangyuan, and often longed for her hometown. Thus, the Phoenix Tower was built with only 14 stories—symbolizing Wu Zetian’s remembrance of her home—and the phoenix’s head gazes southward. After Emperor Taizong’s death, Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, and Wu Zetian took over the governance of the court for 42 years, which is why the tower stands 42 meters tall. Although Phoenix Tower was constructed in modern times, it has become a unique symbol of Guangyuan and soon gained widespread fame. Every visitor to Guangyuan considers ascending the tower a must-do activity. The underlying Phoenix Mountain is a historic and renowned garden, now known as “Phoenix Mountain Park.” Being the birthplace of Wu Zetian, it has attracted famous figures throughout history. Since the Song Dynasty, many officials and literati have established gardens here. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, landmarks such as the “Cypress Pavilion,” “Minister’s Pavilion, ” “Scenic View Pavilion,” and “Moon over Baofeng Peak” were created here. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, more attractions were added to the mountain, with dense cypresses hiding various towers, pavilions, performance venues, and amusement areas. Visiting Phoenix Mountain Park to enjoy the view from the tower or to explore the park is truly an ideal outing.