[2025 Wanrong Attraction] Travel Guide for Qiufeng Tower (Updated Apr)

#discoverchina One of the three great towers of Shanxi, Qiufeng Tower is a hidden gem with deep historical roots and poetic charm. 📍Location: Like many iconic towers tied to poetry and history, Qiufeng Tower sits by the water — specifically at the junction of the Yellow River and Fen River. At sunset, the views are nothing short of breathtaking — think “long river and falling sun” vibes 🌅 🏯 Architectural Highlights: Qiufeng Tower is 32.6 meters tall, with three main levels, a cruciform roof, and glazed tile decorations — grand and elegant. Although its original construction date is unknown, it was rebuilt multiple times due to Yellow River floods. The current structure dates to the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty. Look out for: 28 finely carved hanging columns on the lower levels — rich in detail and symmetry. 36 overhanging corners, each adorned with colorful glazed statues of military generals — fierce and majestic. Unique projecting eaves with turtle-shaped bases and petal-like rooflines on the first two floors. Dense dougong (bracket sets) that showcase incredible craftsmanship. The grand platform foundation, running east to west — with the east gate inscribed “Zhan Lu” (Gaze at Lu) and the west gate “Wang Qin” (Look toward Qin), referencing ancient political pathways. #thingstodo #travel

Located in Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, the Houtu Temple is nestled against the Emei Ridge and overlooks the Yellow River. It is the earliest sacrificial site for the "Earth God" in Chinese civilization and is known as the "Crown of Shrines within the Seas." Since the Yellow Emperor established an altar here for worship, nine emperors, including Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and Emperor Zhenzong of Song, have visited 24 times. Emperor Wu of Han even left behind the timeless masterpiece, "Autumn Wind Ode." The existing architectural complex covers an area of 25,000 square meters. A prominent feature is the Autumn Wind Tower, named after the stele inscribed with Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Ode." This magnificent three-story, cross-shaped, hip-and-gable roofed structure houses the unique Pin-shaped Opera Stage. The "three carvings" art (wood carving/stone carving/colored glaze) is also exceptional. Along the central axis, you'll find the Mountain Gate → Five Tigers Hall → Offering Hall → Incense Pavilion → Main Hall. Cultural relics such as the Emperor Zhenzong Stele and the Yellow Emperor Sweeping the Ground Stele span thousands of years of history.

How can I describe my first impression of Qiufeng Tower? I was speechless. It was so beautiful that I stared at it for a long time, reluctant to leave. I really envy those who can climb the tower! “Autumn winds rise, white clouds fly, grass and trees wither, geese fly south. Orchids are elegant, chrysanthemums are fragrant, I miss my beloved and can't forget her. Sailing boats on the Fen River, crossing the currents, raising white waves. Drums and flutes play, oarsmen sing, joy is extreme, sorrow abounds. Youth is fleeting, how can we resist old age?” Emperor Wu of Han wrote the famous "Autumn Wind Ode" after his only autumnal sacrifice to Houtu, while boating on the Fen River and feasting with his ministers. Perhaps the bleak autumn wind always evokes sadness. Even the revered Emperor Wu couldn't help but lament the fleeting nature of life and its regrets. But an emperor's regrets always carry more weight than those of ordinary people. Qiufeng Tower was built to preserve the two steles inscribed with the "Autumn Wind Ode." Qiufeng Tower is the centerpiece of the Wanrong Houtu Temple. The original construction date is unknown, but it first appeared in Ming Dynasty records. The existing structure is believed to have been relocated during the Qing Dynasty. Standing 32.6m tall, with three visible stories and five in total, it features a cross-gabled roof. From afar, its shape is intricate and complex, yet perfectly symmetrical, with a rare color scheme. Honestly, I can hardly believe that this ancient and vigorous structure was actually rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. From its name to its structure, everything about this tower is intertwined with Emperor Wu of Han. The 28 hanging pillars represent the 28 generals of Emperor Wu's Yuntai. The 36 projecting eaves symbolize the 36 brothers of Wagang Village at the end of the Sui Dynasty. The 108 glazed warrior figures represent the 108 heroes of Liangshan. Like the Feiyun Tower, four central pillars reach the top of the tower, supporting the structure along with 32 wooden pillars arranged in a grid pattern. It also features intricate and varied brackets, but unlike the majestic Feiyun Tower, the upturned eaves of Qiufeng Tower feel lighter, as if suspended in mid-air by the wind. The wind-watching bird on the roof moves with the wind, perfectly complementing the Qiufeng Tower. If, at this moment, there were geese flying south, it would be a truly picturesque scene!

One-day tour of Wanrong, Shanxi. Visit the Temple of the Queen of the Earth, built in the Han Dynasty, and Qiufeng Tower, where Emperor Wu of Han wrote poems. Visit the mansion of the richest man in southern Shanxi, the Li Family Courtyard. The first stop is the Temple of the Queen of the Earth, built in the Han Dynasty. It is the oldest temple in China for worshiping the land, with a history of more than 4,000 years. The main building from the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty is still preserved. Covering an area of 23,000 square meters, the temple has a sacrificial road, a mountain gate, a Qing Dynasty theater, a sacrificial hall, a main hall, Qiufeng Tower, and other buildings. The second stop is Feiyun Tower. Feiyun Tower is located in the Dongyue Temple in Wanrong County, Shanxi. It was built in the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty. The hundred-year-old wooden tower is known as the "First Wooden Tower in China." Enter the Dongyue Temple, and Feiyun Tower is in the center of the main gate, facing south. It is square in shape, 23.19 meters high, and has five floors. The third stop is the Li Family Courtyard. The Li Family Courtyard is located in Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi. It was built in the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty and was the residence of Li Ziyong, the richest man in southern Shanxi. To this day, the Li Family Courtyard still retains more than 280 rooms, as well as ancestral halls, gardens, workshops, stables, and other buildings. It takes several hours to walk around the courtyard.

Autumn wind blows and white clouds fly The vegetation is yellow and the wild geese are returning south ——"Autumn Wind Ci" 🏯If I were asked to choose the four most famous buildings in China, they might all be in Shanxi. The current four most famous buildings are all younger brothers in front of Qiufeng Tower‼ ️Not only is it blessed by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's "Autumn Wind Ci", it is also said to contain a stele of Autumn Wind Ci. Although it is a building from the Qing Dynasty, it is a serious ancient building. The only regret is that you cannot go upstairs. They are all by the Yellow River, but in terms of nostalgia, it is far better than the Stork Tower and others... How did you choose this Stork Tower? Are there no buildings in Shanxi? Wufeng Tower, Aoshen Tower, and Bianjing Tower are all better than him, so embarrassing... 📸What to watch ✅Horizontal plaques on the east and west gates: "Looking at Lu" in the east and "Looking at Qin" in the west ✅ Hanging columns: 28 in total, representing the 28 generals of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. ✅ Corner cornices: 36 in total, representing the 36 heroes of Waganzhai during the Sui and Tang Dynasties ✅Colored glazed generals: 108, representing the 108 heroes of Liangshan ✅Cross Hilltop Building ✅The same check-in place for "Black Myth Wukong" 📍Location Inside Houtu Temple, Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Qiu Feng Tower is the one that can truly represent The ancient pavilions in Shanxi Stork Tower is nothing

❤Recommended because: Qiu Feng Lou stands quietly on the banks of the Yellow River, located behind the main hall of the Yuncheng Hou Tu Temple. The Hou Tu Temple was built where the Fen River flows into the Yellow River. It is the birthplace of Chinese Hou Tu culture and is the crown of temples in China and the source of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Before the Ming Dynasty, the Hou Tu Temple was a royal sacrificial site, and later it became a temple for folk sacrifices. The existing buildings in the temple include the mountain gate, the well platform, the offering hall, the incense pavilion, the main hall, Qiu Feng Lou, and the east and west five tiger side halls. The buildings are magnificent and the structure is exquisite. The mountain gate and the well platform form a rare "品" stage in China, providing important evidence for the study of the shape of ancient Chinese stages, and it has extremely high historical and artistic value. The glazed ornaments in the main hall are dazzling and extremely precious. The hanging carvings on various buildings are exquisite and lifelike. The Song Dynasty inscription "Fen Yin Er Sheng Pei Feng Ming" preserved in the temple is an inscription written and inscribed by Emperor Zhenzong of Song himself. Inscriptions inscribed by emperors in ancient China are rare, so this inscription is one of the famous inscriptions in ancient China. 🌟Highlights: 1️⃣Qiu Feng Lou is named after the "Qiu Feng Ci" tablet of Emperor Wu of Han Liu Che hidden in the building. Emperor Wu of Han personally came to worship six times and left the eternal masterpiece "Qiu Feng Ci". 2️⃣The 28 exquisitely carved hanging pillars on both sides of Qiu Feng Lou symbolize the 28 generals of Emperor Wu of Han's Yun Tai. 3️⃣The upper layer of the cross-hipped roof has 36 corners, symbolizing the 36 brothers of Wa Gang Zhai at the end of the Sui Dynasty. 4️⃣Each glass corner is also equipped with a colored glazed warrior figure, a total of 108, symbolizing the 108 generals of Liang Shan. 🎫Scenic area ticket: CNY 20 🕙Opening hours: 08:30-18:00 📍Detailed address: On the banks of the Yellow River in Miao Qian Village, Rong He Town, Wan Rong County, Yun Cheng City

Qiu Feng Lou is located behind the main hall of the Hou Tu Temple in Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Here is a detailed introduction: 1. Name origin: The name comes from the "Qiu Feng Ci" tablet of Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, which is stored in the building. According to records, Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, visited Hedong many times. In the late autumn of the fourth year of Yuanding (113 BC), Emperor Wu of Han climbed the building after worshiping the Hou Tu Temple, and was inspired to write the famous "Qiu Feng Ci". 2. Architectural structure: - Overall structure: The building is 32.6 meters high, with three floors as the main body, five rooms wide, surrounded by corridors, and a cross-hipped roof. The lower part is built with a tall base, which runs through the east and west. The south side is the main entrance to the building, surrounded by brick walls. The building has a moderate proportion, simple brackets under the eaves, exquisite and simple structure, magnificent and vigorous shape, and is a masterpiece of ancient wooden architecture. - Featured design: There are 28 finely carved hanging columns on both sides of the building, which are said to represent the 28 generals of Emperor Wu of Han; the upper part is a cross-hipped roof, with a total of 36 corners, symbolizing the 36 brothers of Wagangzhai at the end of the Sui Dynasty; each corner is decorated with 108 colored glaze warrior figures, symbolizing the 108 generals of Liangshan. These designs not only reflect the wisdom and skills of ancient craftsmen, but also contain rich historical and cultural connotations. 3. Cultural relics and inscriptions: There is a "Qiu Feng Ci" tablet of Emperor Wu of Han on the second and third floors of the building. The tablet on the third floor is 0.58 meters high and 0.73 meters wide. It is engraved in cursive script, with heavy strokes and dignified posture. This tablet was built in the eighth year of Yuan Zhiyuan (1271 AD). It is now broken and missing the upper left corner. It is inlaid vertically in the building with a wooden frame; the tablet on the second floor is 0.82 meters high and 1.87 meters long. It is engraved in seal script and embedded in the north wall of the building. The tablet is intact and was erected in August of the thirteenth year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1874 AD). 4. History: The creation date of Qiu Feng Lou is unknown. Due to the flooding of the Yellow River, it was rebuilt during the Kangxi and Tongzhi periods of the Qing Dynasty. The existing buildings were rebuilt in the ninth year of Tongzhi in the Qing Dynasty (1870). Some researchers believe that the building has a Ming Dynasty style and was relocated during the Qing Dynasty. In 1996, Qiu Feng Lou was designated as a national key cultural relics protection unit by the State Council. Its unique historical and cultural value and architectural art value attract many tourists to visit.

Autumn Wind Tower is located in the Hou Tu Temple in Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi. It was built in the Han Dynasty, but the specific year is unknown. The Autumn Wind Tower we see today is a relic of the Qing Dynasty. It is 32.6 meters high, divided into three floors, with a brick and wood structure, a cross-hipped roof, and exquisite wood carvings. Allusion Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Liu Che, visited Hedong six times in his life and left the poem "Autumn Wind". During the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty, the county magistrate of Ronghe rebuilt this building in memory of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's "Autumn Wind", and we now have the Autumn Wind Tower we see today. The east gate is engraved with the word "Zhan Lu", the west gate is carved with the word "Wang Qin", and there are 28 hanging columns, representing the 28 generals of Liu Xiu, Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty. Transportation: There is no public transportation, it is recommended to charter a car or drive by yourself Ticket: 20 yuan

"As the autumn wind rises and the white clouds fly, the grass and trees turn yellow and the geese head south." This ancient building, named after Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Ode," has been continuously harassed by the Yellow River for over a thousand years. Despite being rebuilt time and again, it still stands proudly on the banks of the Yellow River, embodying the beauty of a pavilion that appears to have emerged from a Song dynasty painting. This is the Autumn Wind Pavilion located in Wannian, Yuncheng, Shanxi. It is the crowning structure of the Houtu Temple, a sacred site for worshipping the Earth Mother—Houtu, the oldest and most primal deity in China. However, most visitors to Wannian only go to see the Feiyun Pavilion, which is known as "China's Number One Pavilion," and few make their way to the riverbank to admire this magnificent and solitary wooden structure—a true pity. The Autumn Wind Pavilion stands 32.6 meters tall, with a lofty base that is accessible from the east and west. The east door is carved with the words "Looking towards Shandong," and the west door with "Looking towards Qin," said to be the path Zhang Yi took when he entered Qin. The south side is the main entrance to the pavilion, surrounded by a brick wall with decorative patterns. The main body of the pavilion has three floors, is five bays wide, and is surrounded by corridors. The roof is a cross-hipped style, and on the first and second floors, there is a protruding bay on each side, topped with a tiled roof and forward-facing ridge decorations; the corridors on the second and third floors have bracket sets or flat seats. The entire pavilion is densely packed with beautifully shaped and generously proportioned bracket sets. The proportions of the pavilion are appropriate, with simple and elegant bracket sets under the eaves, and a structure that is exquisitely simple and majestic. The Autumn Wind Pavilion is already situated on a high platform, and its towering presence makes it an excellent vantage point. Visitors can lean on the railings and gaze into the distance, where the gentle and generous Yellow River, the mother river, flows quietly. The Daxi High-speed Railway bridge spans across it, with wheat fields, fruit trees, and villages in close view, presenting a picture of tranquility and harmony. Facing the Yellow River, one is reminded of Emperor Wu of Han, who, during a season of clear autumn skies, saw wild geese calling as they flew south, leaves falling, and vegetation turning yellow. After Emperor Wu and his ministers offered sacrifices to Houtu, they crossed the Fen River on a towered boat. In the middle of the river, white waves churned, and on the boat, a feast was in full swing, with flutes and drums playing in unison, and musicians and dancers performing in harmony with the sound of the boatman's oars, creating an endless melody. Moved by the scene, Emperor Wu composed the famous "Autumn Wind Ode": As the autumn wind rises and the white clouds fly, the grass and trees turn yellow and the geese head south. The orchid is elegant and the chrysanthemum is fragrant, holding a beloved one in my heart, I cannot forget. Sailing the towered boat across the Fen River, cutting through the midstream to raise white waves. The flutes and drums play, the oarsmen sing, joy reaches its peak, yet sorrow lingers. Youth is fleeting, what can one do about old age?