Tianwen Ruins

　　The Tianwen Platform is located atop Phoenix Mountain in Taojiang County, situated at the confluence where the Taohua River meets the Zi River. A solitary mountain embraced by two rivers, its majestic terrain is covered with ancient trees, forming a spectacular natural landscape. Legend has it that Qu Yuan, the great patriotic poet and Left Minister of the State of Chu, was exiled here in anguish after being wronged by King Huai of Chu and King Qingxiang of Chu. It was on Phoenix Mountain that Qu Yuan composed "Tianwen" (Heavenly Questions), hence the name “Tianwen Platform.”

　　Today, several historical sites related to Qu Yuan remain on Phoenix Mountain. During his time in exile, Qu Yuan is said to have posed over 170 questions to the heavens to express his innermost thoughts, resulting in the creation of the world’s longest poetic Q&A masterpiece, "Tianwen." Later generations built a beautifully carved Tianwen Pavilion on the mountain, which was later destroyed by fire, leaving only a stone tablet inscribed with “Site of the Ancient Tianwen Pavilion.” On the cliffs of Phoenix Mountain, the three characters “Tianwen Platform” have been inscribed by modern visitors.

　　At the foot of the Tianwen Platform along the Zi River bank lies a bird-shaped boulder jutting out into the river. Leaning against the cliff and overlooking a deep pool, the rock is said to be where the exiled Qu Yuan often came to fish, using the activity to ease his sorrow—thus later generations call it “Quzi Fishing Platform.” There is also a legend about the “Tianwen Stone,” claiming that the patriotic Qu Yuan would often stand on this stone, lamenting to the heavens, venting his indignation and frustration toward the Chu court.

　　Halfway up the hillside from the Fishing Platform stands a raised platform with an ancient pagoda known as the Yuelong Tower. Built in the 14th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1834 AD), the tower is 22 meters high, seven stories tall with an octagonal base, hollow inside but solid outside, and entirely constructed of granite. The ground floor of the tower houses inscribed stone tablets. From the tower, one can gaze upon the Zi River flowing from the west, embracing the Taohua River as they surge eastward together. Under the setting sun, the sky is painted with radiant clouds, and the shimmering water reflects a dazzling play of light. The pagoda was erected by local people in memory of Qu Yuan and also symbolizes the aspiration for cultural prosperity. It is said that after the tower’s construction, Taojiang produced an extraordinary feat of three successful imperial examination candidates in a single examination session during the Qing Dynasty. Since then, the region has enjoyed a flourishing literary culture and earned the reputation of being the “Land of Culture.”