Shaoyang Tower

Shaoyang Tower

Shaoyang Tower is a cultural tourism attraction.

Shaoyang Tower: According to the *Guangdong General Annals* by Ruan Yuan of the Qing Dynasty, during the early Tang Dynasty, there was a “Shaoyang Tower” in Shaozhou City, though no specific year of its initial construction was recorded. The *Shaozhou Prefecture Annals* and *Qujiang County Annals* from the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi, Tongzhi, and Guangxu periods state that it was “located outside the southern gate, by the river, with its founding date unknown and it was abandoned at the end of the Yuan Dynasty.” The Tang Dynasty poet Xu Hun wrote a seven-character regulated poem titled *Night Banquet at Shaoyang Tower*, which confirms that Shaoyang Tower existed in Shaozhou during the Tang Dynasty. From the specific descriptions in the poem, it can be deduced that the tower was a prominent and sizable structure in the region at that time.

In June 2006, the municipal Party committee and government decided to build Shaoyang Tower to enhance the cultural appeal of Shaozhou and accelerate the development of the city as a renowned rivers-and-mountains destination. Construction officially began in June 2007, and after more than two years of hard work by all parties involved, the tower was completed and inaugurated on October 18, 2009.

Shaoyang Tower is now located atop Lotus Peak in Shaoguan National Forest Park. Covering a land area of 1,938 square meters and a building area of 2,995 square meters, it faces southeast and is oriented toward the northwest. Its layout combines a “sub-character” (亚) shape transitioning into a “cross” (十) formation, echoing the shape of Lotus Mountain. This design creates a focal yet well-structured form, while the gradually tapering columns on each floor, the overhanging railings, and the gracefully upturned eaves give the structure a sense of dignity without losing richness, and elegance without lacking vitality. The tower has five stories and stands 42.8 meters tall. The number five represents the traditional Chinese philosophical concept of the Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), symbolizing people’s ability to gaze from the tower and reflect on ancient times, appreciate the prosperity of the present, and envision a bright future. The building adopts the classical Chinese architectural style of the Tang and Song dynasties, aligning with the flourishing culture of Shaozhou during those periods. It reflects the delicate beauty of Lingnan ancient architecture combined with the grandeur of northern styles, while its details incorporate local architectural features from northern Guangdong, such as flower-shaped bracket arms, moon beams, and penetrating beams, highlighting regional architectural characteristics.

Each floor of Shaoyang Tower is themed around a cultural concept: “Rising from the Earth,” “Heard the Music of Shaoyue and the Phoenix’s Cry,” “Eternal Grace of Elegance,” “Pure Charm of Lotus Peak,” and “Resonant Chimes of Zen.” Through these cultural themes, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Shaoguan, enjoy artistic experiences, and feel the charm of this historic and cultural city.