Luoxing Tower (罗星塔, Luoxing Pagoda), also known as the China Tower or Moxin Tower, is an ancient structure located on Luoxing Mountain in Fuzhou, China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the tower served as an important navigational beacon for sailors. After its construction, the top of the tower was used to light a beacon at night, guiding ships safely. This feature earned it a place in the “Zheng He’s Navigation Map” and established it as a crucial coastal landmark. In the 15th century, Dutch ships referred to it as the China Tower, and it was included in the “Nautical Needle Chart,” making it an internationally recognized maritime marker.
The original Luoxing Tower dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty, but it was destroyed during the Ming Wanli period. In 1624, during the Tianqi reign, scholars like Xu Bo initiated its reconstruction on the original foundation. The tower is an octagonal seven-story stone structure designed in the style of a pavilion. It is built from granite, ensuring its durability and stability. The tower is hollow inside, standing approximately 30 meters tall with a base diameter of 8.6 meters. Each level features waist eaves and balconies, with arched doors and stone railings, embodying southern Chinese architectural styles. Visitors can ascend the tower via a series of steps. The eaves corners are adorned with eight Buddha statues, and bells hang from the corners. The top of the tower originally had a small window where a beacon was lit for navigation. However, a typhoon in the late Qing Dynasty blew away the tower’s finial. During its restoration, the Mawei Shipyard created a seven-meter-wide iron sphere to serve as the new finial. The broad base of the iron ball allows visitors to sit and enjoy the panoramic views.
Legend has it that Luoxing Tower was originally built by Liu Qiniang during the Southern Song Dynasty. Known for her beauty, Liu Qiniang attracted the attention of local tyrants who falsely accused her husband of a crime, sentencing him to hard labor. Liu Qiniang followed her husband to Fujian Province, where he was eventually tortured to death. She then sold all her belongings to construct the stone tower in his memory, praying for his soul.
Luoxing Tower stands as a testament to ancient Chinese architecture and maritime history. Its strategic importance as a navigational aid in the past is highlighted by its inclusion in both Chinese and international nautical charts. The tower’s robust construction and distinctive design reflect the ingenuity and cultural significance of its era. Today, it remains a historical landmark, attracting visitors who come to appreciate its architectural beauty, historical significance, and the touching legend behind its construction.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0591-83682107 |
Location and Transportation
Luoxing Tower is located on Luoxing Mountain in the Mawei District of Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China. The specific address is 83 Gangkou Road. To get there, you can take bus 73, 116, 180, or M2 and get off at Luoxingta Stop (罗星塔站).
