China, Changzhi, Shanxi

Wufeng Tower Wufeng Tower in Changzhi, Shanxi, is a Taoist building with profound historical and cultural heritage and a unique architectural style. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty and has been repaired many times during the reigns of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty and Emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing of the Qing Dynasty. It is now a key cultural relic under state protection. Wufeng Tower is famous for its complex structure and solemn and tall shape. The eaves of the tower are deep, and the four corners are flying, symbolizing the five phoenixes spreading their wings. Four pillars reach the top of the building, with brackets and lotus flowers hanging down. The wooden components are very delicate. In particular, its mulberry wood ladder and vitex beam are wonders in the building. The mulberry wood ladder is made of a whole mulberry tree, which is 7 meters long and has been used for hundreds of years. The vitex beam is made of vitex, which grows very slowly and is extremely precious. The name of Wufeng Tower comes from an ancient legend. It is said that the five daughters of the Jade Emperor were tired of the life of abstinence in heaven and came down to earth. They lived a happy life of love, but violated the rules of heaven. The Jade Emperor was furious and finally killed the five sisters with thunder and lightning. The souls of the five phoenixes lived on the mountain, and later generations built this Wufeng Tower to commemorate the five phoenix sisters. In the early years, you could climb the ladder to visit Wufeng Tower, but now you can't go up. Unconsciously, it snowed, and the snowflakes added to the mystery of the ancient site.