Xuchang | Majestic Wenbi Tower.

This trip also took me to Xuchang's Wenbi Tower, a Ming Dynasty tower worth mentioning. It's one of Xuchang's landmarks, the tallest extant Ming Dynasty brick tower in Henan Province, and a national key cultural relic preservation site. Wenbi Tower was built by Zheng Zhengguang, the Ming Dynasty governor of Xuzhou, starting in the 42nd year of the Wanli era (1614). Originally named "Wenming Tower" (the southeast direction symbolizes civilization), it was renamed Wenfeng Tower during the Qing Dynasty, meaning "flourishing literary culture, reaching for the sky." Wenfeng Towers are generally associated with promoting literary pursuits, imperial examinations, and the worship of Kui Xing (the god of examinations). They also play a role in feng shui. The tower is about 52 meters tall and is an octagonal, 13-story pavilion-style brick tower. Its structure is well-proportioned, and it is the tallest extant Ming Dynasty brick tower in Henan Province. The "Majestic Wenfeng Tower" was selected as one of the ten scenic spots of Xuchang during the Qing Dynasty. Xuchang's old museum was located here. In 2019, it was renovated into the Tower Culture Museum, showcasing the history and development of towers, along with some cultural relics. Wenbi Tower is open to the public free of charge and is closed on Mondays. It's a worthwhile stop in Xuchang, and the museum is also quite interesting.