Han Yin Wenfeng Pagoda

　　Wenfeng Pagoda is the symbol of the mountain city of Han Yin and a historical witness to over a hundred years of change and vicissitudes. Historical records state: “In the twelfth year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1873), funds were raised for its construction, and it was completed the following year. It was built on the southeast corner of the Ming-era city wall and was funded by the then-county magistrate and local gentry with the hope of ‘cultivating literary talent akin to the Hidden Dragon.’

　　The beauty of its design, the ingenuity of its construction, the creativity of its concept, and the craftsmanship involved are all truly breathtaking. The pagoda stands twelve zhang tall, has five stories, and is entirely constructed of brick, taking the form of a hexagonal pavilion-style cone. Each level features brick-built eaves, rafters, and dougong brackets, with six angular extensions topped by stone-carved dragon heads resembling chi dragons, their mouths open and hanging down with wind chimes. The eastern side of the first floor has an arched doorway, while the other five sides are fitted with round-arched windows above. From the second floor upward, all six sides have doorways, and the upper part of the eastern doorway is adorned with inscribed plaques set against exquisitely beautiful floral patterns. The pagoda tapers gradually from bottom to top, and upon its completion, it became a scenic landmark of the mountain city. It was believed that ascending the city wall on the first day of the lunar new year would bring ever-rising fortune; visiting the pagoda would invite step-by-step career advancement; and worshipping the deity Kuixing, the god of literature, in the tower room could bestow the talent of a literary star descending to earth. Visitors from elsewhere also admire such customs, and touring the pagoda before visiting the “Three Shen” Memorial Hall is seen as a way to remember the ancestors’ intention in building the pagoda, to honor cultural pioneers, and to celebrate the city’s cultural renown.