Autumn Wind Tower

　　Located at the northeast corner of the ancient Temple of the Earth Goddess in Wanrong County, Shanxi Province. It gets its name from the stele inscribed with Emperor Wu of Han’s “Autumn Wind Ode,” which is housed inside the tower. The year of its construction is unknown, but the current architectural structure was built during the Ming Dynasty. The tower stands 30 meters tall, with a grand elevated base at the bottom that runs from north to south. The surrounding area is enclosed by brick balustrades, and horizontal inscribed plaques are carved on the eastern and western facades — the east side reads “Gazing at Lu,” while the west side is named “Looking toward Qin.”

　　The tower has three stories, with a width of five bays, surrounded by corridors on all sides, and topped with a hip-and-gable roof in the shape of a cross. The first and second floors each have a protruding section with a turtle-and-spout base on all four sides, covered with tiled roofs and forward-facing gable decorations. The second and third floors feature bracket sets or open corridors beneath the eaves. From the railings, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the surging waters of the Yellow River. The proportions of the tower are well-balanced, the bracket sets under the eaves are simple yet refined, and the overall structure is exquisitely ancient yet majestic in style. The third floor houses a stone engraving of Emperor Wu of Han’s “Autumn Wind Ode” from the Yuandade era: “Autumn wind rises, white clouds fly; withered grass and yellow leaves fall, as wild geese head south. Orchids bloom fair, chrysanthemums give off fragrance; I think of my beloved and cannot forget. Sailing a grand boat, I cross the Fen River; amid the midstream, I raise pure waves. Flutes and drums sound, oar songs ring out; in utmost joy, sorrow also abounds. When will youth return? How can I bear old age?”