Clarification Pagoda

　　The Clarification Pagoda is situated on the banks of the Lianshui River in Chengqing Village, Shan Shan Town. It was constructed both to burn written characters as a gesture of reverence to Confucius and to suppress evil for the protection of local feng shui. Legend has it that long, long ago, the Lianshui River frequently flooded, destroying the fertile farmland along its banks. One night, during a violent storm, a monstrous dragon emerged from the churning waters. Torrential rain immediately poured down, and the farmland was soon submerged under water. A young man from the village named Chengqing, witnessing the disaster, valiantly cast his fishing net and managed to ensnare the dragon. He then hurled his fishing spear, striking the dragon square on the head. Clutching the net with one hand and gripping the spear with the other, he gritted his teeth and dragged the dragon to the riverbank. By this time, he was utterly exhausted and gradually began to feel his body growing larger, heavier, and taller—until he transformed into a stone pagoda, pinning the dragon beneath it. Between 1899 and 1900 (the 25th to 26th years of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty), local residents built a pagoda here based on the legend and named it “Clarification.”

　　This pagoda is an octagonal, three-story hollow brick-and-stone structure, approximately 12 meters high. Its base is a square stone platform. The main gate on the first floor is made of stone slabs, with a arched entrance; the second floor resembles the first, but its windows are slightly smaller, matching each other in style, and aligned with those on the opposite side. The third floor has several small windows in each direction, adding to its dignified appearance. The southern side features carved patterns, while the northern side is relatively simple, giving it an ancient charm. The pagoda is topped with a high, intricately designed spire, demonstrating a high level of artistic value. In July 1995, the Loudi Municipal People's Government designated the pagoda as a municipal-level cultural relics protection unit.

　　The pagoda is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Louxing District, inspiring many poets and scholars to compose poems and lyrics about it. Here are two poems titled "Autumn at Clarification Riverbank" for readers to enjoy.

　　(I)

　　The ripples of Xiang River are crystal clear, As travelers gather at the ferry at dusk so near.

　　White waters flow from Flower Harbor afar, Blue Fields meet the peaceful Valley Stream from where it are.

　　Boats at the front shoal hug the homeward sails, Villages on both banks echo with the harvest tales.

　　Autumn fills the sky, a view so vast and wide, By riverside pavilion, wine is poured with pride.

　　(II)

　　The ancient Clarification Ferry rejoices in renewal, Officials and travelers come and go in full measure.

　　The old pagoda ages with the rocky shore, The new pavilion stays, though not in colors of yore.

　　Jade Screen reflects from towers’ distant edge, White silk-like river splits fields on both ledge.

　　When autumn ends and winter’s work is done, Every household plays music, never to be outshone.