Lijiang Five Phoenix Tower

The original site of the Five Phoenix Tower was located in the Fuguo Temple on Zhishan Mountain, 11 kilometers northwest of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. In 1979, it was relocated to Black Dragon Pool Park. The Five Phoenix Tower was first built in the 29th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1601). In the first month of the Jiazi year of the Tongzhi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1864), Fuguo Temple was destroyed by war, and it was rebuilt in the 8th year of the Guangxu reign (1882). The temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and only the gate towers of the "Five Phoenix Tower" and "Jietuo Forest" were preserved. The floor plan of the Five Phoenix Tower is nearly square, with a total width of 18.9 meters and a depth of 17.78 meters, covering an area of 256 square meters. The Five Phoenix Tower has 20 interlocking flying eaves and 24 corners over three levels. From any angle, there are five winged corners, resembling five phoenixes about to take flight, hence the name Five Phoenix Tower. The tower features a unique design, tight structure, exquisite carvings, and vibrant paintings, blending architectural styles of the Han, Tibetan, and Naxi ethnic groups. It is a treasure and a typical example of ancient Chinese architecture.