Suojiang Tower (锁江楼, River Locking Tower) is located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, about one kilometer northeast of Jiujiang city. Originally, this site featured a complex of ancient buildings, including the Jiangtian Suoyue Tower (江天锁钥楼), Wenfeng Tower (Huilong Tower), and four iron oxen, among other structures. Today, only Suojiang Tower remains.
The tower was constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 13th year of the reign of Emperor Wanli (1558 AD). It was initiated by Wu Xiu, the governor of Jiujiang, and took eighteen years to complete. The building, originally known as Jiangtian Suoyue Tower, was three stories high and surrounded by four iron oxen. The Wenfeng Tower, also known as Huilong Tower, was built on Huilong Rock, just three meters from the Yangtze River.
Suojiang Tower is a six-sided, cone-shaped stone and brick structure with seven layers, standing 35 meters tall. Each level features eaves with copper wind chimes. Constructed from thick blue bricks, the tower is remarkably sturdy. The eaves are adorned with stone-carved brackets, and the interior walls are decorated with small niches and arched windows. A staircase inside allows visitors to climb to the top, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Kuanglu Mountains, the vast Chu sky, the roaring Yangtze River, and the scenic Xun City.
On the eastern wall of the tower’s base level, a Ming Dynasty inscription remains, authored by a person from Dehua County with the surname Lao. Due to weathering, the inscription is now difficult to read. According to legend, the tower and its iron oxen were constructed to control floodwaters, inspired by the ancient practice of using iron oxen to tame rivers. The Wenfeng Tower was built to promote literary culture.
Notably, in June 1938, during the Japanese invasion of China, the tower was heavily shelled by Japanese forces. Despite suffering several impacts, including two large shells with a diameter of 3.5 meters, and tilting slightly towards the northeast, the tower remains standing proudly at the head of the Xunyang River, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Chinese tower builders.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 -23.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0792-8551982 |
Location and Transportation
Suojiang Tower is located at Binjiang Road, Xunyang District, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, China. To get there, you can take bus 5, 9, 82, or Tourist Line 1 and get off at Suojiang Tower Stop (锁江楼站).
