The "First Navigation Mark" of the Maritime Silk Road

Liusheng Pagoda: A Millennial Watchtower On Jinsha Mountain in Shihu Village, Anhai Town, Shishi City, Fujian Province, stands an ancient pagoda known as Liusheng Pagoda. If the Maritime Silk Road is a blue ribbon connecting the world, then Liusheng Pagoda is undoubtedly its most dazzling pearl, hailed as the "first navigation mark" of the Maritime Silk Road. Countless merchant ships have traversed the vast ocean along the Maritime Silk Road, witnessing millennia of trade and cultural exchange. The name Liusheng Pagoda may be unfamiliar to many, but its history and significance are enough to impress anyone who learns about it. Also known as Wanshou Pagoda or Shihu Pagoda, it was originally built during the Zhenghe period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1111-1117), a time of flourishing maritime activity in China. Merchant ships laden with silk, porcelain, tea, and other precious goods sailed to distant lands. The completion of Liusheng Pagoda was like a beacon illuminating the way for these brave navigators. In those times, the vast ocean was fraught with danger, and without precise navigation equipment, the towering Liusheng Pagoda served as a crucial landmark for ships returning home. Sailors who had been adrift for months on the turbulent sea were filled with peace and joy upon sighting Liusheng Pagoda in the distance, as it signaled the direction of home. However, in the second year of Jingyan of the Southern Song Dynasty (1277), the relentless flames of war engulfed Liusheng Pagoda, leaving it in ruins. This pagoda, which carried countless hopes and memories, fell silent amidst the dust of history. But its story did not end there. In the second year of Zhiyuan of the Yuan Dynasty (1336), Ling Huifu, a maritime entrepreneur from Anhai, stepped forward and funded the reconstruction of Liusheng Pagoda. Ling Huifu understood the importance of Liusheng Pagoda for maritime trade, and his generous act gave the pagoda a new lease on life. The reconstructed Liusheng Pagoda not only retained its original ancient charm but also gained a sense of profoundness from the passage of time. Today, Liusheng Pagoda is a key component of the "Quanzhou Port Ancient Architectural Complex," a national key cultural relic protection site, and one of the 22 heritage sites within the World Cultural Heritage site "Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China." It no longer serves merely as a navigation mark but also stands as a witness to history and a bearer of culture. Standing at the foot of Liusheng Pagoda and gazing up at this ancient structure, one can almost envision the bustling scenes of the Maritime Silk Road in its heyday. Merchant ships set sail, laden with Chinese civilization and wisdom, bound for all corners of the world. In return, countless treasures and cultures from foreign lands were brought back with the returning ships, integrating into the fabric of China. Architecturally, Liusheng Pagoda blends various cultural elements. Its unique tower structure embodies the solemnity and grandeur of traditional Chinese architecture while incorporating a touch of the mystique of Western architecture. The carvings on the pagoda are exquisite, featuring lifelike Buddha statues, lively mythical creatures, and various auspicious patterns. These carvings not only showcase the superb skills of ancient craftsmen but also reflect the flourishing cultural exchange and integration of the time. Every carving and every brick tells a story of the past, evoking a sense of awe for the vicissitudes of time and the weight of history. For us modern people, Liusheng Pagoda is not just a tourist attraction but a bridge connecting the past and the future. It allows us to understand the courage and wisdom of our ancestors and their immense contributions to promoting global cultural exchange and economic development. Standing beneath Liusheng Pagoda, feeling the sea breeze, we seem to transcend time and engage in a dialogue with history. In today's fast-paced society, it is worthwhile to slow down and visit Liusheng Pagoda, to listen to the voice of history and experience the charm of culture. Perhaps, within the bricks and tiles of Liusheng Pagoda, we can find a long-lost sense of tranquility and inspiration. When you set foot on this land and witness the splendor of Liusheng Pagoda with your own eyes, you too will be captivated by its charm and forge an unforgettable connection with it.