Millennium Ancient Pagoda

　　On the eastern outskirts of Tengzhou City, on the west bank of the Jing River, stands a towering ancient pagoda. Whenever the setting sun casts its golden rays and the shimmering ripples of the water interplay with the pagoda’s silhouette against the distant hills, the scene becomes extraordinarily magnificent and spectacular. It was named by ancient people as "Lofty Pagoda Silhouette" (also known as "Pagoda Standing Like Jade"), one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Ancient Teng.

　　Commonly known as the Longquan Pagoda, it was originally a Buddhist pagoda of the Longquan Temple. The Longquan Temple boasted grand and magnificent architecture, with its yellow walls and tiled roofs, lush pines, and dignified halls visible from afar. Upon entering the temple, one would see the grand central hall flanked by neat side chambers. The Buddha statues inside the halls were exquisitely lifelike, and the stele room housed a rich collection of ancient and elegant stone inscriptions. By the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, most of the grand architectural complex of Longquan Temple had collapsed and fallen into disrepair, leaving only this pagoda. The once resplendent and majestic Longquan Buddhist Temple has become history, but the Longquan Pagoda still stands firmly through the vicissitudes of time.

　　Regarding the naming of the Longquan Pagoda, historical records state: "There was also a large spring that often flooded nearby residences, so the pagoda was built to subdue it. The name 'Longquan' likely originates from this." The origin of the pagoda’s name may be related to water.

　　When was the Longquan Pagoda built? Due to the long passage of time and loss of records, there is still no definitive conclusion. The Daoguang-era "Teng County Annals" from the Qing Dynasty includes a poem titled "Pagoda Standing Like Jade":

　　Long following Wei Zhao’s inscription in fame,

　　It stands firmly by Longquan, grounding its folk.

　　　Emerald hues blend with peaks, all grace refined,

　　　Its seven-tiered shadow uniquely pure remains.

　　　Soaring past clouds, it grasps at skies anew,

　　　Bathing in sunlight, it shares the sun’s warm hue.

　　　Wind rings the golden bells with echoing chimes,