Fengchuan Pagoda is located on the top of Fengchuan Mountain, south of Xizao Tang Village in Weishan County. It was first built in the fourth year of Xianfeng of the Qing Dynasty (1854 AD). Because there is a hot spring at the foot of the mountain, it is also called Xizao Tang Pagoda. The pagoda is a seven-story, truncated-corner, square, dense-eave, hollow brick pagoda, 30 meters high. The first story is 5.75 meters wide on each side. The base has three levels, 3.8 meters high, with the bottom level square and the second and third levels recessed inward, forming an irregular octagon. Each side of every story has an arched niche containing a Buddha statue. The spire is a copper treasure top, with a stone canopy and upturned and down-turned lotus petals below. As one of the most uniquely constructed and exquisitely crafted ancient pagodas in Weishan County, Fengchuan Pagoda reflects the superb architectural skills of ancient times and holds high historical research and cultural relic protection value.
Fengchuan Pagoda belongs to the Fengchuan Temple at the foot of the mountain. When we arrived, the temple gate was tightly closed. Fengchuan Temple is located at the west end of Fengchuan Bridge in Weishan County. It is a simple and ancient temple, named after its location. The main building of the temple faces Fengchuan Bridge, and together with Fengchuan Pagoda and Fengchuan Bridge, it forms a unique water-control cultural system in the Weishan section. Fengchuan Temple is not only a place of religious belief but also an important part of local history and culture.
Fengchuan Pagoda is a typical ancient Chinese pagoda, with a simple and elegant architectural style. The body is built of bricks and stones, with exquisite carvings and decorations on each level, showcasing the superb skills of ancient craftsmen. Under the clear winter sky, the shadow of the pagoda falls on the ground, creating a moving picture.
We walked along a small path beside a pond outside Wengjiayakou Village for a few minutes and saw Fengchuan Pagoda standing high on the mountaintop. Reaching the top, the view suddenly opened up, and the entire Weishan Basin came into sight. Under the clear winter sky, the distant mountains were clearly visible, and the nearby Fengchuan Bridge and Fengchuan Temple complemented the pagoda, forming a harmonious picture.
Fengchuan Pagoda is not only a tourist attraction but also a witness to history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of Weishan County and carries the faith and hopes of the local people. Standing at the foot of Fengchuan Pagoda, I could almost hear the echoes of history and feel the wisdom and courage of the ancients.
In winter, Fengchuan Pagoda has less summer noise and more tranquility and peace. The sunlight falls on the pagoda, warm and soft. In such an atmosphere, visitors feel a sense of inner calm and satisfaction. The clear winter sky lifts the spirits and makes one cherish this tranquility even more.
Standing at the foot of Fengchuan Pagoda, looking north, one can see the complete Weishan Basin surrounded by mountains. The tall mountain at the end of the view is Zhemo Mountain, a natural barrier separating Weishan from Dali. On a clear winter day, there is not a single cloud in the sky. If not for Zhemo Mountain blocking the view, Erhai Lake might also come into sight.
On the way from Wengjiayakou to Fengchuan Pagoda, several tall oak trees by the roadside had turned into brilliant golden yellow. They still tried to retain the rare autumn scenery in the mountains. Their slow life journey allowed them to remain bright and moving like autumn, even in the harsh winter. The ample afternoon sunlight lit up the leaves, and they took the opportunity to sing a passionate song before their final withering, paying tribute to the endless cycle of life. They are the most beautiful autumn colors in this winter.
The bright green on the hillside reflects the hard work of farmers. Even in winter, the land tries its best to contribute value. Peas and broad beans are the crops of this season, new life in this season. The land does not rest; it, like all things, thrives endlessly.
