Gongchen Tower in Weishan Old Town, Dali
Overview
The Gongchen Tower (拱辰楼) in Weishan Old Town (巍山古城), Dali (大理), was originally the north gate tower of the Menghua Weicheng fortress. It was built in the 23rd year of the Hongwu period (1390 AD) of the Ming Dynasty (明朝), originally featuring three stories. During repairs in the 2nd year of the Yongli period (1648 AD), it was modified to two stories. On January 3, 2015, the tower was severely damaged by fire.
- Chinese Name: 巍山拱辰楼
- Year Established: 明洪武二十三年 (1390年)
- Height: 16 meters
- Depth: 15.7 meters
- Structure: Wooden construction
- Location: 云南巍山 (Yunnan Weishan)
- Cultural Heritage Status: Provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit
Geographic Location
Weishan (巍山) is a national historical and cultural city and the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国). The Gongchen Tower is located in the Nanzhao Town (南诏镇) of Weishan County, Yunnan, and serves as one of the iconic structures of the ancient town, designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit.
Architectural Structure
Originally part of the Menghua Weicheng fortress, the Gongchen Tower is a significant architectural relic of the Ming Dynasty. It features a double-eave hipped roof style with a width of 25.76 meters and a height of 16 meters. The tower is supported by 28 sturdy columns, surrounded by corridors, and constructed atop a brick wall measuring 47.1 meters long, 26.6 meters wide, and 8.1 meters high. The entire structure boasts a majestic appearance, with the roof’s eaves extending out slightly.
Upon reaching the top floor, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the cascading mountains to the east, the famous Wobao Mountain and Wenbi Tower to the south, the Guajiang River to the west, and the snow-capped Cangshan Mountain to the north.
Prominent plaques hang beneath the southern eaves: the “Kuixiong Liuzhao” (魁雄六诏) plaque and the “Wanli Zhantian” (万里瞻天) plaque, showcasing calligraphy that exudes power and grace. The Gongchen Tower, preserved remarkably well, has become an emblem of Weishan’s historical and cultural heritage and was listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit in 1993.
Historical Evolution
- 1390 AD: Construction of the Gongchen Tower begins.
- 1648 AD: The three-story structure is modified to two stories during repairs.
- 1771 AD: A plaque commemorating the status of the Nanzhao Kingdom is installed.
- 1785 AD: Another plaque expresses the relationship between Nanzhao and Central China.
Fire Incident
At 2:49 AM on January 3, 2015, a fire broke out in the Gongchen Tower. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, by 4:48 AM, the tower was significantly damaged, although no casualties or damage to surrounding residential buildings occurred. The area burned was approximately 300 square meters. An investigation into the cause revealed that electrical faults ignited combustible materials, leading to the fire’s spread.
Causes of the Fire
Following the incident, the Dali Prefecture government established a fire accident investigation team. Their investigations ruled out various potential causes, including lightning strikes and human negligence. It was determined that the fire originated from electrical wiring issues.
Aftermath and Reflections
The Gongchen Tower, having been recognized as a provincial-level cultural heritage site since 1994, faced challenges in preservation, including its transformation into a commercial tea house in 2010 to cater to tourists. Despite local opposition, it became a venue for showcasing Nanzhao culture until the fire incident in 2015 led to its closure.
Getting There
To reach Weishan and the Gongchen Tower, visitors can fly into Dali Airport (大理机场) and take a taxi or local transport to Weishan County. It’s approximately a one-hour drive from Dali.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the ancient town.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in cultural sites.
- Photography: Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting for photography.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in Weishan, which reflect its rich cultural heritage.
