Zhizhou Tower in Chengjiang County, Yuxi

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Zhizhou Tower (志舟楼) is located in Fengshan Park (凤山公园), at No. 9 Huancheng North Road, Fenglu Town (凤麓镇), Fenglu Street (凤麓街道), Chengjiang City (澄江市), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省). Situated in the northern part of Chengjiang, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Historical Background

The Wanshou Palace Period

During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, Zhang Shengzhi (张圣治), the magistrate of Chengjiang (澄江), built Wanshou Palace (万寿宫) at this site. He constructed pavilions and planted flowers and trees. After several renovations, the site took shape. However, due to historical changes, Wanshou Palace gradually declined and was eventually destroyed by the end of the Qing Dynasty.

The Birth of Zhizhou Tower

In 1943, Liu Chenggong (刘承功), then county magistrate of Chengjiang (澄江), saw the potential of this location. Over the course of two years, he oversaw the construction of a three-story wooden tower on the site of the former Wanshou Palace. When it was completed, coinciding with the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japan, he named it “Zhizhou Tower (志舟楼)” using the courtesy name of Long Yun (龙云), then Chairman of Yunnan Province.

Cultural Legacy

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the local government expanded and restored Zhizhou Tower, turning it into the central feature of what is now the largest park in Chengjiang. In recent years, it has also become an exhibition venue for local cultural works including calligraphy, painting, photography, and embroidery.

Folk Customs

Chengjiang (澄江) features a rich variety of folk activities, including traditional festivals such as Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. Fengshan Park (凤山公园), where Zhizhou Tower is located, is also a key recreational space for locals, regularly hosting morning exercises and public square dancing.

Weather and Best Travel Time

Chengjiang enjoys a subtropical highland monsoon climate with distinct seasons and a mild average annual temperature of around 15°C. It experiences neither extreme cold in winter nor intense heat in summer. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when the climate is most pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

Recommended Attractions and Duration

Zhizhou Tower (志舟楼): Approx. 1 hour. The three-story wooden structure features a hip-and-gable roof and is built entirely with mortise and tenon joints on a one-foot stone foundation, showcasing a unique architectural style.

Fengshan Park (凤山公园): Approx. 2 hours. The park offers attractions such as a koi pond, cultural corridor, and wellness trails amid beautiful natural surroundings.

General’s Tomb (将军坟): Approx. 10 minutes. Located within the park, this is the resting place of General Luo Peijin (罗佩金), with an engraved tombstone commemorating his life achievements.

Entrance Fee

Zhizhou Tower (志舟楼) and Fengshan Park (凤山公园) are open to the public free of charge.

Transportation

• By Car: From Kunming (昆明), drive along the Kunming–Mohan Expressway (昆磨高速), approximately 100 kilometers or 1.5 hours.
• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Kunming to Chengjiang (澄江), then walk or transfer to a local bus.

Local Food

Chengjiang (澄江) is known for its local specialties such as copper pot fish (铜锅鱼), Chengjiang lotus root starch (澄江藕粉), and wild fish from Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖). These dishes can be enjoyed at local restaurants.

Shopping

Popular souvenirs include Chengjiang lotus root starch (澄江藕粉) and seasonings for copper pot fish (铜锅鱼调料), which are available in the city center.

Accommodation

• City Hotels: Chengjiang (澄江) offers several hotels with reasonable prices.
• Guesthouses: Unique guesthouses are available around Fengshan Park (凤山公园) for a more local experience.

Travel Tips

• Environmental Protection: Do not litter in scenic areas; help preserve the natural surroundings.
• Safety: Follow safety guidelines, especially when exploring elevated areas.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chengjiang (澄江) in the morning. Visit Fengshan Park (凤山公园) and explore Zhizhou Tower (志舟楼). In the afternoon, visit General’s Tomb (将军坟) and learn about local historical figures.
Day 2: In the morning, explore Chengjiang city center, enjoy local cuisine, and shop for souvenirs. Return in the afternoon.

Zhizhou Tower (志舟楼) stands as a prominent historical and cultural landmark in Chengjiang (澄江), offering both rich heritage and beautiful scenery. May your journey to Chengjiang leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for this cultural treasure.