Originally known as the “Filial Piety Pagoda,” the Haichunxuan Pagoda’s story is deeply intertwined with the life of Yuchi Jingde, a founding minister of the Tang Dynasty who received the title of “Duke of E” for his loyal and brave service to the country. During his youth, Yuchi Jingde and his mother sought refuge in West Creek, a coastal fishing village prone to dense fog and storms, leading to frequent maritime disasters. Witnessing the grief of families who lost their loved ones at sea, Yuchi Jingde’s compassionate mother was moved to tears and implored her son to build a lighthouse tower if he ever had the means to guide fishermen and reduce the loss of life.
Years later, after assisting Emperor Li Shimin in founding the Tang Dynasty and rising to prominence, Yuchi Jingde fulfilled his mother’s wish by petitioning Emperor Taizong to construct a maritime tower in West Creek. Granted approval, the tower was erected, serving as both a beacon and a safeguard for navigation, thus earning the name “Zhenhai Tower” (Sea-Calming Tower) among the locals, who also revered it as the “Filial Piety Pagoda.”
At the base of the pagoda, a statue of Maitreya Buddha in his future Buddha form, not the commonly depicted plump Laughing Buddha, welcomes visitors. Ascending the pagoda, each level features eight Buddha statues and niches. With the guidance of this sacred tower, fishermen safely returned home, leading the people to dub it the “Divine Needle of Sea Stabilization.” Over time, the surrounding landscape transformed from seaside to farmland and urban area, marking the profound changes around the Haichunxuan Pagoda.
Architectural features of Haichunxuan Pagoda
Situated on the banks of the Taidong River in the southern part of West Creek in Jiangsu Province, the Haichunxuan Pagoda stands as the oldest surviving ancient tower in the region, embodying a mystical significance within its structure.
Constructed amidst the harsh coastal winds, the pagoda’s architectural design was ingeniously crafted to ensure its resilience. The seven-story, octagonal structure of densely layered bricks distinguishes itself from the typical ancient towers in the Jiangnan region.
The base of the towering structure, approximately 7.2 meters (23.6 feet) in diameter and rising to a height of 20.8 meters (68 feet), is particularly notable for its grand scale and the intricate Buddhist carvings that encapsulate its religious significance.
Crafted from natural clay and fired to unparalleled hardness, the bricks are bound together with a mortar made from glutinous rice, a testament to the architectural marvel that has withstood the test of time for over 1,300 years. The Haichunxuan Pagoda, devoid of a foundation, stands as a remarkable feat of construction technology and a beacon of cultural and historical significance, surviving countless floods and earthquakes.
Yuchi Jingde, a figure of courage and loyalty in the founding of the Tang Dynasty, not only fulfilled his mother’s compassionate wish but also left behind the enduring Haichunxuan Pagoda, a symbol of the Chinese traditional virtues of loyalty and filial piety. This ancient tower not only highlights the architectural and technological prowess of ancient China but also stands as a proud testament to the enduring spirit of its cultural heritage.
Translated by Joseph Wu, edited by Maria
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