Three Yuan Pagoda

　　Zhaoqing’s Three Yuan Pagoda is situated on Baisha Mountain to the southeast of Deqing County and was constructed in the 27th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1599). The pagoda is octagonal, nine stories high, three meters thick, and built with brick. Eight stone-carved Atlas figures are positioned at the eight cardinal points at the base of the pagoda, each with a solemn expression. From any angle, the geometric lines of the pagoda appear highly symmetrical. Its internal structure is solid, and the exterior plasterwork is exquisitely crafted. Zhaoqing’s Three Yuan Pagoda is world-renowned for its characteristic of being “forever new and never old.” Legend has it that during the plastering process, the craftsmen, adhering to the strict requirement of “remaining forever new,” used not ordinary lime mortar but precious cinnabar-lime mortar. A total of 999 jin and 9 liang of cinnabar were used, which is why the exterior remains fresh and radiant over time.

　　The entire structure demonstrates a high level of craftsmanship and artistic quality, with a unique style. Legend says that the entire pagoda was coated with vermillion cinnabar, hence the saying “only new, never old,” and it remains as vividly bright as ever. The renowned calligrapher Qin Esheng personally inscribed a couplet for the pagoda: “Dipping the brush to write boldly, illuminating sun and moon; leaning on the rail, singing loudly to calm the storm.”

　　Zhaoqing’s Three Yuan Pagoda is also known as the “Forever New, Never Old Pagoda,” the “Evergreen Pagoda,” and the “Eternal Pagoda.” It is located on Baisha Mountain along National Highway 321, 3 kilometers east of Deqing County in Zhaoqing City. Built in the 27th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, the term “Three Yuan” refers to the top three scholarly honors: Zhuangyuan (Number One Scholar), Huiyuan (Provincial First Place), and Jieyuan (Prefectural First Place). It originates from people's aspirations for talent, praying for the success of achieving the “Three Yuans” – Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and Tanhua. Climbing the pagoda symbolizes success in imperial examinations and continuous advancement in life.

　　Zhaoqing’s Three Yuan Pagoda is an octagonal, pavilion-style brick chamber tower with a plane layout. It stands 53 meters tall, has 9 exterior stories and 17 interior stories, and features cavity walls that are 3 meters thick. The geometric patterns on the walls are symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing. The structure includes a wall-penetrating, terrace-winding design, with a foundation built from red sandstone and granite. The eaves, beams, corner pillars, and door linings are decorated in alternating red and white colors. Each face of the Sumeru pedestal is carved with relief patterns, and the corners are adorned with Atlas figures in various expressive forms.

　　This pagoda is distinctive for several reasons:   “Qi” (Marvelous): Despite enduring over 400 years of wind and rain, its color remains vibrant as if new. Its golden body seems ageless because cinnabar-lime plaster was used on the pagoda, earning it the reputation of being “forever new and never old.” It is one of China’s Four Marvelous Pagodas.   “Te” (Unique): The pagoda uniquely incorporates theories from the *Book of Changes* (Yijing), including the concepts of Yin and Yang, the eight trigrams, and the Five Elements’ numerical principles. It harmonizes Yin and Yang as one, integrates the Five Elements, and aligns with the doctrines of Yin-Yang philosophy.   “Miao” (Wonderful): Each of the eight sides of the pagoda features a vividly sculpted Atlas figure, appearing to join forces to support the pagoda, symbolizing unity. The two guijiao-shaped (wedge-shaped) gateways on the ground floor align in a straight line with the three-tiered mountains across the river.   “Yuan” (Fate): Li Gang, a famous prime minister of the Song Dynasty, once had a connection with Zhaoqing’s Three Yuan Pagoda. When passing through, he composed the poem “Hengcui Pavilion.” Su Dongpo also left his historical traces here.

　　Zhaoqing’s Three Yuan Pagoda is a key cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.