The God of Wealth Tower

The God of Wealth Tower

The God of Wealth Tower is the landmark building of Zhouzi Ancient Town. It was first built in the early Tang Dynasty, renovated during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty, and was destroyed and dismantled last century. The God of Wealth Tower we see today was reconstructed in 2006 on the original site following the principle of “restoring the new as the old.” It covers an area of 276 m², with a construction area of 439 m². It is a four-story, pavilion-style open tower. The tower is 24.8 meters high, symbolizing prosperity in all four seasons. There is considerable historical background to constructing the God of Wealth Tower here. According to Chinese folk geomancy, “mountains govern population while water governs wealth.” From a feng shui perspective, the ancients believed that the favorable feng shui of Zhouzi Ancient Town lies in its location within a taiji diagram formed by the Jialing River and the surrounding wetlands — backed by the Dragon Horn Mountain, which resembles a dragon lying down to drink water, and fronted by the Jialing River, which looks like a jade belt. However, there was one flaw: the left side being lower than the right disrupted the balance between host and guest, causing the surging waters of the Jialing River to wash away the town’s wealth. To resolve this, the local people applied the feng shui concept of “filling in the gaps,” constructing this God of Wealth Tower by the river in hopes that the deities would bless the townspeople with promotion, wealth, good fortune, and peace.

The first floor of the God of Wealth Tower features an open passageway, with two imitation bronze three-legged toads sculpted at the entrances and exits. The toad, known as a “money toad,” is considered by the ancients to be a spiritual creature that can bring wealth. These four toads are meant to “attract wealth from all directions.” The railings around the second floor are carved with patterns of “dragons delivering treasures,” symbolizing wealth from all corners. On each tier’s upturned eaves, fish-shaped wind chimes are hung, symbolizing bumper harvests and annual surplus. Atop the tower, a treasure vase is decorated and adorned with branches of the Ruyi plant, representing abundant wealth and wishes fulfilled. All these elements embody the culture of the God of Wealth. The uppermost floor houses statues of three deities: the Martial God of Wealth, Zhao Gongming, who governs all worldly gold and treasures; the Civil God of Wealth, Wenchang Dijun, who presides over scholarly achievements and official ranks; and the Dragon King Ao Guang of the East Sea, who controls rain and weather. Each statue is 1.6879 meters tall, a height that sounds like “prosperity all the way.” These statues were all blessed by eminent monks, and it is said that as long as visitors make a wish, pray, and offer incense here, their desires will come true.

Two couplets at the God of Wealth Tower further enrich its cultural significance: “Among the 300 li of the Jialing River, where else could such a master painter rest his brush? Through 5,000 years of history, who does not hold the God of Wealth dear?” and “The tower enhances the lake’s beauty, and the waters nourish reverence for the Three Sages.” These couplets both praise how the tower has added scenic splendor to the Jialing River and describe the deep historical connections between the Jialing River and the Sage of Painting Wu Daozi, as well as the Sage of Prose and Romance Sima Xiangru. In addition, they express the important place the God of Wealth holds in the hearts of people according to Chinese folk beliefs.

Zhouzi Ancient Town

Wanshou Palace in Zhouzi Ancient Town

Lianxi Shrine

Zhouzi Pier

Xihe Street