Heshan Wenfeng Pagoda

Heshan Wenfeng Pagoda

Heshan Wenfeng Pagoda is a cultural relic protection unit of Pujian County.

Heshan Wenfeng Pagoda is situated on a high ridge north of Longtanzi on the Pujian River, in Group 7, Dangou Village, Heshan Town — about six li east of the town. Originally, there was an ancient pagoda that was destroyed during the wars in the late Ming Dynasty. In the 21st year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty (1841), Wang Yintian, a tribute student from Pujian County, along with 43 others, initiated its reconstruction. After obtaining approval from Magistrate Kang Wenwei, they launched a fundraising campaign and completed the pagoda in several months, spending over 1,100 guan (one guan equals 1,000 small coins, totaling 1.1 million coins). On the day of completion, Magistrate Kang Wenwei hosted a celebratory banquet.

The Wenfeng Pagoda is a closely-eaved brick pagoda, classified as a fengshui (geomantic) pagoda. It has a seven-tiered stone base, 1.2 meters high and 4 meters per side. The first tier features a west-facing pagoda door, 2.6 meters high and 67 centimeters wide. The door is inscribed with the three characters “文峰塔” (Wenfeng Pagoda). The body of the pagoda is hexagonal. From the second to the seventh tier, each side has a small window. The pagoda is hollow, and in the past, a long wooden ladder was used to access the upper levels. Its total height is 18.3 meters.

In the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928), Peng Jiaguang wrote the poem “Wenfeng Pagoda”:

The white pagoda stands tall where the literary brush soars, The hidden dragon rests quietly as waters flow east. The mountains form a shield connecting town and field, Waves surge like crystal curtains reflecting stars and constellations.

Auspiciousness arises to glorify scholars and our Han race, Divine inspiration eases the people’s woes. In leisure, I plan to often come here, To raise my wine and let the breeze bring freedom.

On July 20, 1988, the People’s Government of Pujian County declared Wenfeng Pagoda a county-level cultural relic protection unit.