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The Pinghe Shengwu Tower is the most exquisite of the Fujian Tulou World Heritage Sites. Construction spanned five dynasties, from the Jiaqing to the Guangxu periods, spanning over a century. The tower boasts 24 bays, replete with exquisite stone carvings, wood carvings, clay sculptures, and murals. The workmanship is exquisite, and the building boasts 646 unique wood carvings, scattered across screens, wall cabinets, doors, windows, and ladder railings. The carvings range from figures and flowers to couplets, birds and animals, and poetry and painting, creating a harmonious blend of movement and stillness. Experts have dubbed it a "wood carving museum."
Because of this, Shengwu Tower won the favor of the Global Heritage Fund, becoming its fourth project in China, following the Ancient Town of Lijiang in Yunnan, the Ancient Town of Pingyao in Shanxi, and Foguang Temple. The stone beam above the round tower's door lintel has broken, but the three large characters "Shengwu Tower" carved in stone were personally inscribed by the tower's owner, Ye Chuhou, with powerful and profound authority.
Pinghe Luxi is an ancient town surrounded by mountains. An ancient banyan tree stretches from one side of the river to the other, covering the entire bridge like a canopy. There is a row of pork stalls on the bridge, women are washing clothes under the bridge, and there is a small temple with incense smoke at the head of the bridge, where women are worshiping with their hands together. The whole scene is full of strong small town style.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 2 to 3 hours
40 yuan
8:00-18:00
Shengwu Tower is a historic landmark in Zhangzhou, originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It has been an important symbol of the city, used for both defense and as a place of worship. The tower is also a key cultural site, showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.
Shengwu Tower is located in the city center of Zhangzhou. It can be accessed easily by taxi or bus. Walking from nearby landmarks is also an option as it is situated in a central area.
The tower is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early mornings or late afternoons when the weather is cooler and the tower is less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. There is no known online ticketing service for this site.
Tickets are not typically required to be booked in advance, but during peak seasons or holidays, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines.
It usually takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the tower and its surroundings, depending on how much time you spend in the gardens and taking photographs.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be offered, but it’s recommended to check in advance for availability and languages.
Start by exploring the tower and climbing to the top for the view. Afterward, take a stroll through the surrounding gardens and read the historical plaques about the tower's significance.
Night visits are not commonly offered, and there are no light shows or special tours available. However, the tower is beautifully lit at night, offering a different perspective of the structure.
The tower can get crowded during weekends and holidays. It is less crowded on weekdays, particularly in the morning.
Basic facilities like toilets and rest areas are available. There are no major food or drink outlets inside the tower area, but small shops may sell souvenirs and snacks nearby.
The tower is accessible to elderly and children, but the stairs to the top may be difficult for those with mobility issues. It is advisable to inquire about accessibility options if needed.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations.
There are several local restaurants nearby that serve traditional Fujianese cuisine, including noodles, dumplings, and seafood dishes.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants, though vegan and halal food options may be limited.
There are several hotels within Zhangzhou city center, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Some hotels are within a 10-15 minute walk from Shengwu Tower.
There are several souvenir shops selling items such as local crafts, Fujian tea, and small wooden carvings, particularly those featuring the tower.
