Wanming Pagoda (万名塔), located on the banks of the Tuo River at the foot of Qinglong Mountain, sits to the east of Fenghuang Ancient Town in Hunan Province. Positioned at the Huangtukan of Shawan, it stands between two prominent landmarks: the elaborately decorated Xiachang Pavilion to the east and the impressive Fengyu Bridge to the west. The pagoda was built on the ruins of a historical structure known as the Zizhilu Tower, which was once used for burning ceremonial papers. The construction of Wanming Pagoda was initiated in 1985 by the renowned artist Huang Yongyu, with support from local residents and the government. It was completed in 1988, and its name, “Wanming,” means “Ten Thousand Names Pagoda,” reflecting the community’s collective efforts.
The pagoda’s predecessor, the Zizhilu Tower, was originally built during the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty. The tower served as a ceremonial furnace for burning paper inscribed with writing, as a way to honor the written word. The original structure was a three-tiered, hexagonal brick tower, standing 11 meters high. Its base was hexagonal, constructed of finely carved red sandstone and stood about one meter tall. The tower gradually narrowed as it ascended, with a small hollow core that allowed smoke to escape. The uppermost section of the tower was adorned with a colorful glazed ceramic gourd. The pagoda had three eaves, each featuring six sides, and its front facade, which faced the river, included an arched opening for burning paper. Each level bore inscriptions, including “文光射斗” (Brilliance of Literature Reaches the Stars) on the top level, “中流砥柱” (Mainstay in the Midstream) in the middle, and “翰墨流芳” (Ink and Brushwork Spread Fragrance) on the lowest level. Sadly, this beautiful tower was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, leaving only ruins.
The current Wanming Pagoda is a seven-tiered hexagonal structure that reaches a height of 22.98 meters. Built with modern materials like green bricks, mixed sand mortar, and reinforced concrete, the tower is both robust and elegant. Each tier features six eaves with delicate upward-curving corners, and copper wind chimes are suspended from the corners, creating a soothing melody in the breeze. The tower’s diameter at the base is 4.5 meters, and it gradually narrows by 0.3 meters with each ascending tier. The design of the tower is refined, with graceful lines and ornamental details that give it an air of sophistication. Its slim, slender form is reminiscent of a young maiden standing gracefully by the riverbank.
At night, the interior and exterior of the pagoda are illuminated, casting a soft glow over the surrounding area. The lights blend harmoniously with the red lanterns that line both sides of the river, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The reflection of Wanming Pagoda in the calm waters of the Tuo River adds to its charm, with the flickering lights enhancing its delicate beauty. Visitors to the pagoda often leave their names on its walls, with some inscriptions even found over two meters high, adding to the tower’s historical and cultural significance.
