The historical background of Pazhou Tower in Guangzhou

The Pazhou Pagoda is located in Pazhou Village, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, adjacent to the Pearl River. It is an important historical and cultural heritage site in the Lingnan region. Its history can be traced back to the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and it contains rich cultural connotations and historical value.

First, the background and purpose of construction

The Pazhou Pagoda was first built in the 28th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1600), initiated by local gentry such as Wang Xuezeng. At that time, Guangzhou was an important port of the Maritime Silk Road. Merchant ships traveled frequently. The Pearl River waterway was complex and the navigation risks were relatively high. The Pazhou Pagoda came into being to pray for water control, navigation and to promote the development of the imperial examination system. The tower site is located on a small hill in Pazhou, in the middle of the Pearl River. It resembles a pillar in the middle of the stream and combines feng shui and practical functions.

Second, architectural features and forms

The Pazhou Pagoda is an octagonal and nine-story brick pagoda in the style of a pavilion. It has nine floors on the outside and seventeen floors on the inside, with a height of about 50 meters. The base of the tower is built with red sandstone. Each side of the facade is engraved with the eight trigrams pattern. At the corner of the base, there is a kneeling figure of a Western figure supporting the tower, with a vivid expression, demonstrating the exquisite architectural art of the Ming Dynasty. The tower body is constructed with blue bricks, complemented by red leaning columns and black dougong brackets, showcasing the light and airy style of Lingnan architecture. The top of the tower is equipped with iron-cast wild-shaped corner beams. When the wind blows, the bells ring, adding an ancient touch.

Third, the evolution of historical functions and status

Navigation marker: After the Pazhou Tower was completed, it became an important navigation marker for merchant ships entering and leaving Guangzhou, playing a crucial role in ensuring the shipping safety of the Pearl River waterway.

Feng shui symbol: In feng shui, the Pazhou Pagoda is believed to stabilize the water flow and protect merchants, symbolizing the prosperity of Guangzhou.

Cultural Landmark: During the Qing Dynasty, the Pazhou Pagoda was hailed as the “Pillar of Pazhou” and became one of the eight scenic spots in Guangzhou, symbolizing the prosperity of the city’s trade.

Cultural Relics Protection: In 1989, the Pazhou Pagoda was announced as a third batch of cultural relics protection units in Guangdong Province by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. In 2023, it was included in the “List of Place Names for Protection in Guangzhou (First Batch)”.

Fourth, historical changes and restoration

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Pazhou Pagoda was renovated several times during the Jiaqing and Daoguang periods of the Qing Dynasty to maintain its structural stability.

Modern influence: After the Opium War, the beacon function of the tower gradually weakened, but it still stands as a cultural landmark on the banks of the Pearl River.

Modern Conservation: In 1992, Hong Kong compatriots donated funds to restore the Pazhou Pagoda, bringing it back to its former glory. Nowadays, although the Pazhou Pagoda is not open to the public for climbing, it remains an important scenic spot along the Pearl River.

Fifth, cultural significance and symbolism

The Pazhou Tower is not only an important site of the Maritime Silk Road in Guangzhou, but also bears witness to the glorious history of Guangzhou as a thousand-year-old commercial capital. Its architectural style integrates elements of Lingnan culture and maritime trade, and it is a precious physical material for the study of architectural techniques, maritime culture and social customs in the Ming Dynasty. Today, Pazhou Tower, along with Canton Tower and Chigang Tower, stands out as a cultural landmark in modern cities, attracting countless tourists to visit and experience.