Five-Phoenix Tower in Lijiang
Overview
The Five-Phoenix Tower (五凤楼), originally named Fuyun Pavilion (法云阁), is located at the northern end of Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园) in Lijiang (丽江). It was first constructed in the 29th year of the Wanli era (万历二十九年) of the Ming Dynasty (1601) and was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan Province in 1983. The tower is renowned for its exquisite architecture and has gained a prestigious reputation both domestically and internationally.
History
During the First Year of the Tongzhi era (同治甲子年, 1864), the nearby Fuguo Temple (福国寺) was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in the 8th year of the Guangxu era (光绪八年, 1882). The most famous structure of the temple is the Five-Phoenix Tower, which is also referred to as “Liberation Forest” (解脱林). This three-story octagonal pavilion reaches a height of 20 meters and features 24 eaves that resemble five phoenixes ready to take flight, which is how it acquired its name. Unfortunately, during the Cultural Revolution, the temple was destroyed, but the Five-Phoenix Tower and the gate of Liberation Forest were preserved and relocated to Black Dragon Pool Park in 1979, allowing visitors to admire them.
Key Attractions
- Liberation Forest (解脱林)
- Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭)
Structure
The tower stands 20 meters tall and is structured with a layered three-tiered design, resembling the shape of the character “亚”. It features 32 columns, with four central columns each reaching 12 meters in height, using the dou-gong (斗拱) bracket system. The ceiling is adorned with vibrant patterns, including the Taiji (太极图), heavenly kings, and dragons and phoenixes, showcasing architectural styles from Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultures, making it a rare treasure of ancient Chinese architecture.
Current Status
Today, the Five-Phoenix Tower stands majestically at the foot of Elephant Mountain (象山), in the northwest corner of Black Dragon Pool, adding a new scenic element to the area. The tower has a nearly square layout, measuring 18.9 meters in width and 17.78 meters in depth, covering an area of 256 square meters. With its unique shape, intricate carvings, and colorful paintings, the tower embodies the cultural characteristics of the Naxi (纳西), Bai (白), and Tibetan (藏) ethnic groups, enjoying a strong reputation both nationally and internationally. On January 13, 1983, it was listed as a provincial cultural relic protection unit by the Yunnan provincial government.
How to Get There
The Five-Phoenix Tower is accessible from Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城) by a short drive or a leisurely walk through Black Dragon Pool Park. Public transportation options, including buses and taxis, are available.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful lighting.
- Entrance Fee: Check for any entrance fees for Black Dragon Pool Park.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and scenic surroundings.
- Local Cuisine: Explore nearby restaurants to sample Naxi cuisine after your visit.
