Wenxian Wenchang Tower

　　Cultural relics and historic sites are scattered all over Wenxian County, but the most eye-catching is the Wenchang Tower, also known as the “Kui Xing Tower.” It has become an iconic symbol of Qianqiu Yinping, a witness to the city’s history through the ages, and is listed as a provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit.

　　Wenchang Tower is located at the southeastern corner of Wenxian County town. It stands majestically atop over 10-meter-high ancient city walls built in the early Ming Dynasty. With its imposing architecture and exquisite craftsmanship, it is a spectacular gem of ancient buildings and is hailed as “the No. 1 Tower on the Baishui River.” The Wenchang Tower faces south and overlooks the vast river, towering proudly under the endless sky. It is a tower-style pavilion with a wooden and stone structure, consisting of three floors. The first and second floors are square-shaped, featuring both pavilions and corridors; the third floor is hexagonal, with a domed hall. The door carvings and window patterns are exquisitely delicate and dazzlingly colorful. The upturned eaves and brackets are adorned with carved beams and painted rafters. The four walls of the tower are inlaid with historical paintings, while the roof is covered with glazed colored ceramic tiles. Wind chimes hang from the corners of the tower, and when the wind blows, the tassels sway and the sound of the chimes is melodious and pleasant to the ear. There are many couplets and plaques in the Wenchang Tower. One pair of couplets, written by Mr. Wang Zizhan and calligraphed by Mr. Hou Zhengrong, vividly depicts the tower’s charm: “The ancient city stands majestically, with the scenery of both towns spread out before your eyes; the heroic figure stands tall, with the willows dancing by the riverside before your chest.” In 1987, the tower was renovated with state funding, and a new pavilion was built nearby along with a long corridor, dozens of meters in length and 3 meters in width, for visitors to rest, chat, and discuss the past and present.

　　The Wenchang Tower, standing proudly over the ancient city, can be admired from any direction within the county town, exuding an enchanting charm of ancient elegance. It forms a harmonious unity with the modern and stylish riverside boulevard illuminated by lights and lined with green trees—where classical grace meets contemporary fashion, like a beautifully painted picture. Both local literati and travelers from near and far regard ascending the Wenchang Tower as a great delight. From the tower, visitors can gaze out over the entire city. With a gentle breeze on their faces and the setting sun casting its glow, the ancient city’s scenery unfolds before them: the Baishui River winds eastward like a flowing ribbon, the riverside willows sprout tender green leaves, and the connected towns rise with clusters of buildings. Reflecting on the past and present stirs the heart and sparks boundless reverie. If you’re meeting friends here, raising a glass within the tower’s pavilion to “brew wine and discuss heroes,” or singing a verse like “A pot of muddy wine brings joyous reunion, so much of history and tales all laughed away...” adds a unique ambiance and charm to the experience.