River-locking Tower Pagoda in Jiujiang

River-Locking Tower Pagoda, also known as Wenfeng Tower (Literary Peak Tower) and Huilong Tower (Dragon-Returning Tower), stands on Huilong Ji (Dragon-Returning Promontory) on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in Xunyang District, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province. First constructed in 1586 (the 14th year of the Wanli reign in the Ming Dynasty) by the prefect Wu Xiu, it took 18 years to complete. The original complex included a three-story tower building and four iron oxen statues to guard against floods, but most auxiliary structures were lost to disasters; the pagoda itself survived earthquakes, wars and floods, and was designated as a Major National Historical and Cultural Site in 2013.

Highlights of River-Locking Tower Pagoda

Historical & Cultural Background

• Built to address frequent floods in Jiujiang and to boost the local literary atmosphere, combining folk beliefs with cultural aspirations.
• 1608: An earthquake destroyed the adjacent River-Locking Tower building and two iron oxen, while the pagoda remained intact.
• 1938: Struck three times by Japanese artillery fire, leaving large holes in the structure; repaired in 1985 and stabilized with inclination correction in 1998.

Architectural Features

• Hexagonal seven-story pavilion-style brick pagoda, 25.26 meters tall (some sources cite 35 meters, likely due to different measurement standards), tapering upwards level by level.
• Brick imitated wooden structure with corner columns, brackets and eave details; staggered door openings from the second floor up.
• Cast iron gourd-shaped spire (tasha); the interior originally had wooden stairs for visitors to climb and overlook the Yangtze River and the distant Lushan Mountain.
• The base is a square cone-shaped platform with railings and steps on three sides.

Must-See Spots

1. The Pagoda Body: Admire the ancient brickwork, the visible WWII artillery scars and the elegant Ming-dynasty architectural style.
2. River View Platform: The best spot to watch the Yangtze River flowing eastward and the sunset over the river.
3. Replica Iron Oxen: Restored statues symbolizing flood control, echoing the original design of the Ming-dynasty complex.
4. Cultural Exhibition Hall: Displays the history of the pagoda, repair records and related cultural relics.