Sugong Tower

Sugong Tower

Sugong Tower is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Sugong Tower is located in the southeastern suburbs of Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, about 6 kilometers from the city center.

Sugong Tower is also referred to by the local Uyghur people as the "Turpan Tower." An inscribed stone tablet preserved at the tower’s entrance documents the reasons for its construction in both Uyghur and Chinese on its two sides. The tower was constructed by the second Turpan Prince, Suleiman II, in memory and recognition of his father Emin Hejo’s achievements. Its construction began in the Islamic year 1181 (1779 AD, the 44th year of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty). Emin Hejo was a descendant of the King of Lukchun, born in 1694 in Halakho. He was both a ruler and religious leader of the Turpan region and was conferred the title of “Jasak” by the Qing government for safeguarding national unity. He made significant contributions in the battles to suppress the Dzungar and the Big and Small Hojijan rebellions, being successively granted the titles of Fuguo Gong (Auxiliary Duke) in the 11th year of the Yongzheng reign (1733) and Zhenguogong (Pacification Duke) in the 21st year of the Qianlong reign (1756). In the 23rd year of the Qianlong reign (1758), he was further awarded the rank of prince by the Qing government and officially granted the title of prince the following year.

The body of Sugong Tower is cylindrical, standing 37 meters tall with a base diameter of 10 meters. It is entirely built of bricks and adorned on the exterior with a variety of decorative patterns, including diamond lattices, mountain motifs, wave designs, and stylized four-petal floral patterns—totaling 15 different types—all traditional Uyghur designs that are both elegant and eye-catching. The tower features 14 windows positioned at varying heights and directions. The top of the tower is shaped like a helmet. Inside, there are 72 layers of spiral stairs that allow visitors to climb all the way to the top. The structure contains no wood; instead, the weight of the entire tower is supported by a single central brick pillar with a spiral design. According to local Uyghur tradition, Sugong Tower was designed and built by the Qing-era Uyghur master architect Ibrahim and others, showcasing classic features of Uyghur architecture. (National Cultural Heritage Administration)

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units