The Wentai Pagoda (traditional Chinese: 文臺寶塔; simplified Chinese: 文台宝塔; pinyin: Wéntái Bǎotǎ; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Bûn-tâi Pó-thah) is a pagoda in Gucheng Village, Jincheng Township, Kinmen County, Taiwan.[1] The pagoda is a tower of feng shui erected for worshiping star and its incarnation.

Wentai Pagoda
文臺寶塔
Location
LocationJincheng, Kinmen, Taiwan
Wentai Pagoda is located in Taiwan
Wentai Pagoda
Taiwan
Geographic coordinates24°25′00.1″N 118°18′59.9″E / 24.416694°N 118.316639°E / 24.416694; 118.316639
Architecture
Architect(s)Marquess Chianghsia Chou Te-hsing
Typepagoda
Completed1387

History

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The pagoda was built in 1387 during the 20th year of Hongwu Emperor of Ming Dynasty by Marquess Chianghsia Chou Te-hsing.[2][3] It was built to serve as navigational marker for ships negotiating the treacherous waters near Kinmen and also for defense of Kinmen from the Japanese pirates. The tower is classified as second grade national historic relic.[4] The tower was damaged during an earthquake in 1918 and also in 1961 due to war.[5]

Architecture

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The pagoda is a five-level hexagon granite building.[6] Its peak features carvings and relief works and the stone on its base exhibits Chinese calligraphy written by Ming scholar Chen Hui and contemporary artist Chang Ta-chien.

Transportation

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The pagoda is accessible by bus or taxi west from Kinmen Airport.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Wentai Pagoda". Taiwan, the Heart of Asia. 4 October 2021. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  2. ^ "Wentai Pagoda". Classic Kinmen Travel. 15 November 2019. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Wentai Pagoda". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Wentai Pagoda". iCulture. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  5. ^ "Wentai Pagoda". Jincheng Township Administration, Kinmen County. 3 January 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Wentai Pagoda". Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture. Retrieved 14 October 2021.