Poet Immortal Taibai Tower

　　Taibai Tower is situated one kilometer southwest of the ancient town of Caishi Jetty, facing the Yangtze River and backed by Cui Luo Mountain. Nestled in lush greenery, it is a grand and splendid ancient building. Along with Yueyang Tower in Hunan, Yellow Crane Tower in Hubei, and Tengwang Pavilion in Jiangxi, it is known as one of the “Three Towers and One Pavilion of the Yangtze,” and is often praised as “the tower that captures the moonlight and river scenery.” Originally named Zhexian Tower (Tower of the Exiled Immortal), old records state that it was first built during the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty, though details are scarce due to brief historical accounts. The earliest confirmed construction period is the fifth year of the Zhengtong era in the Ming Dynasty. In that year, Zhou Zhen, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, instructed monk Xiu Hui of Guangji Temple to build Qingfeng Pavilion in front of the temple, and at the same time, constructed Zhexian Tower in front of the temple, where a statue of Li Bai was enshrined and worshipped. In the first year of the Kangxi era in the Qing Dynasty, Hu Jiying, Prefect of Taiping, rebuilt the tower and renamed it “Taibai Tower.” He also relocated the Temple of Li Bai, originally situated next to Shangxiao Palace, to this site, creating a unified architectural complex of tower and temple. It was destroyed during the warfare of the Xianfeng era. The current Taibai Tower was reconstructed in the third year of the Guangxu era with funding donated by Peng Yulin, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. After several renovations following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it has taken on a completely renewed appearance. In 1956, it was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit of Anhui Province. The tower stands 18 meters tall, is 34 meters long, and 17 meters wide. The main structure has three floors: the first floor serves as a hall, the second as a tower, and the third as a pavilion. It is divided into two courtyards, front and back—the front being Taibai Tower and the back, Taibai Shrine. The base of the main tower is built from bluestone, while the second and third floors are made of wooden structures. The upturned eaves are trimmed with golden edges, the hip-and-gable roof is covered with yellow glazed tiles, and the roof tiles feature decorative figures such as mythical creatures and animals. Its classic and elegant design, coupled with its towering and majestic presence, gives an impression of solemn dignity.

　　

　　Li Bai (701~762)　　The Poet Immortal Li Bai (February 8, 701 – December 762), courtesy name Taibai, also known by his art names Qinglian Jushi (Hermit of the Green Lotus) and Zhexian Ren (Exiled Immortal), and nicknamed Li Twelve, was a poet of the Tang Dynasty. Together with Du Fu, he is known as “Li-Du.” Li Bai’s works, compiled in The Collected Works of Li Taibai, include masterpieces such as “Quiet Night Thought,” “Drinking Alone under the Moon,” and “Dream Journey to Tianmu Mountain: A Farewell Poem.” He brought ancient romanticist literature to new heights, excelling in song-style poetry and seven-character quatrains to levels rarely matched by later poets. His achievements in yuefu poetry, song-style verse, and quatrains are considered the most outstanding; his style is bold and unrestrained, fresh and graceful, rich in imagination, with marvelous artistic conception and language, characterized by romanticism and clear artistic intent. There are various theories about the circumstances of Li Bai’s death, none of which have reached a consensus... Details+