Dongpo Tower

Dongpo Tower

Dongpo Tower is one of the famous historic sites on Lingyun Mountain. It is situated on Qiluan Peak behind the head of the Giant Buddha, and is a two-story wooden building oriented from northeast to southwest. Originally built during the Song Dynasty, it was initially named “Zaijiu Hall.” Dongpo Tower was once a memorial shrine for Wei Zhongxian in the late Ming Dynasty, but was later renamed to commemorate the Song Dynasty literary figure Su Shi (also known as Dongpo Jushi).

Legend has it that Su Dongpo once studied here. Upon hearing this, the Dragon King of the East Sea sent his third son to seek his guidance and even borrowed a piece of vegetable garden land from him, agreeing to return it at the fifth watch. This piece of land is said to be present-day Leshan City, which is why Leshan never had the custom of sounding the fifth watch. At the foot of the Giant Buddha, there is still a cave connected to the river, believed to have been the passage used by the Dragon King’s third son when he visited Su Dongpo.

The three characters “Dongpo Tower” on the front of the building are derived from calligraphy by Huang Tingjian. On the walls on both sides of the tower are four paintings of plum and chrysanthemum flowers created by Su Dongpo, engraved during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, as well as a portrait of Su Dongpo wearing a bamboo hat and straw shoes. In the center of the ground floor stands a newly crafted statue of Su Dongpo, exuding nobility and magnanimity.

Su Shi, who came from Meishan near Leshan, studied in Leshan during the Song Dynasty. Out of admiration for Master Dongpo, later generations erected a statue of the poet here. In front of the tower lies the Ink-Washing Pond, believed to be where Su Shi washed his inkstone. Leshan is also known for a type of dark-colored carp, said to have turned that color from feeding on the water of Su Dongpo’s ink-washing pond—hence the name “Dongpo Ink Fish.”

Dongpo Tower has long been a favorite destination for scholars and poets throughout history. Facing the crimson cliffs and clear waters here, many could not help but be inspired to write poetry, making the site rich in inscriptions and poetic works, especially couplets. One such example reads: “On this high tower above the river, we ask of the legacy of Su and Ying—how many scholars have read here through the ages? Having traveled across Sichuan, I find the beauty of Jiazhou and Emei truly outstanding; once again I return by boat, wine in hand.” (He Shaoji)

“In laughter and scolding alike lies literature; let us ask what books were read in those years, as the brush captured the grandeur of rivers and mountains. Cities and people have passed through many cycles; yet in this fine excursion to this famed place, wine in hand, the tower witnesses the seasons of wind and moon.”

Su Shi (1037–1101), courtesy name Zizhan, also known as Dongpo Jushi, was a native of Meishan in Meizhou (now part of Sichuan). His family had a strong literary tradition—his grandfather Su Xu loved reading and was skilled in poetry. His father, Su Xun, was a master of classical prose and personally mentored both Su Shi and his younger brother Su Zhe. Their mother, Lady Cheng, was knowledgeable and principled, and once told young Su Shi the story of Fan Pang from the Book of the Later Han: The Biography of Fan Pang, using the deeds of ancient virtuous men to encourage her son to uphold his integrity. By the time Su Shi left Sichuan for the capital at age 21, his knowledge and cultivation were already quite advanced.

Su Shi was erudite and broad-minded in thought... More details about Su Shi ++