Menglian Golden Tower

　　The Menglian Golden Tower is situated on the charming banks of the Nanlei River. It is composed of eight smaller towers surrounding a central main tower, which rises 31.68 meters high. Each tower is adorned with wind chimes that tinkle softly in the breeze, creating a uniquely serene Buddhist ambiance. The Dai people believe these sounds are celestial music from the heavens. The Golden Tower stands facing the entrance hall of the Menglian Tusi Mansion, symbolizing the unity and progress of all ethnic groups in Menglian. Legend has it that the origin of the Menglian Golden Tower is closely tied to the Tusi Mansion. Known as “Ho Han” in the Dai language, meaning “Golden Palace,” the Tusi Mansion was long thought to deserve a tower that could rival its splendor. Thus, this golden tower was built nearby. With the completion of the Golden Tower, the two structures complement each other beautifully.

　　Because it was built relatively late (completed in April 1997), the Golden Tower shows some influence from Han Chinese architectural culture in its finer details, as reflected in the following aspects: First, the dragons around the tower follow Han Chinese design. Second, dragons are accompanied by cranes, symbols of good fortune and longevity. While immortals riding cranes are common in Chinese Taoist mythology, the presence of cranes at the Menglian Golden Tower is somewhat unusual, as the peacock is traditionally the sacred bird revered by the Dai people, based on their customs and regional characteristics. Third, at the entrance to the pagoda’s underground chamber, a statue of Maitreya Buddha is enshrined. As the Future Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism’s Three Ages of the Dharma, Maitreya is not part of Theravāda Buddhism. His inclusion suggests that Theravāda Buddhism may have absorbed certain concepts from Mahayana Buddhism through cultural exchange. Fourth, the murals in the underground chamber depict scenes from Journey to the West. As a quintessential piece of Chinese culture, the novel features various Buddhist figures recognizable in actual Buddhism. The appearance of characters such as the monk Tang Sanzang and his disciples in the murals is likely influenced by modern media and popular tastes.　

　　Among the auxiliary structures of the Menglian Golden Tower, the most prominent are the four square pavilions surrounding the base of the tower. In the Dai language, these are called “Chī ō lā,” meaning “pavilions that show the way,” guiding people through life’s uncertainties. The four pavilions are positioned in the four cardinal directions—east, south, west, and north—each housing one of the Four Heavenly Kings: the Southern Virūpākṣa, who governs the wind; the Eastern Dhṛtarāṣṭra, who governs music; the Northern Vaiśravaṇa, who governs rain; and the Western Virūpākṣa, who governs prosperity. Together, the Four Heavenly Kings protect the four worldly realms, symbolizing “favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace under heaven.”

　　The Menglian Golden Tower is “solid outside but hollow inside,” and its underground chamber is open only to men. Outside the tower, you may see several monks sitting cross-legged; they are there specifically to tie blessing threads for visitors. It is believed that having such a thread tied can prevent illness, ensure smooth sailing in life, and bring safety and peace.

　　Address: Near Binhe East Road, Menglian Dai, Lahu and Va Autonomous County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province