Wu Xi Shi, Jiang Su Sheng, China — 中国 (East Asia)
Legend of Longguang Tower
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 22, 2019
1. Legend of Longguang Tower Marker
(Chinese text not transcribed)
Jiang Zhongzhen in the Southern Song Dynasty won the Kuiwei Zhuangyuan (title conferred on the one who came first in the highest imperial examination) in the 16th year of Emperor Ningzong of Song Dynasty (1223), which was the first Zhuangyuan in the history of Wuxi. Till the middle of the Ming Dynasty, no one in Wuxi ever make it again for hundreds of years. Local gentlemen began to talk about it. Some people believed that "no local person passes imperial examinations because the dragon here has no horns". It indicated that Huishan Hill looked like a dragon, and Xishan Hill was its head; no horn on the dragon head caused the fact that no Zhuangyuan stood out at this place. Hence, folk people raised funds to build a tower. In the 2nd year of Wanli Period (1574) in the Ming Dynasty, Sun Jigao from Wuxi ranked the first Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) in that spring. And in the autumn of the same year, Longguang Tower was completed on the hill.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1574.
Location. 31° 34.832′ N,
this page online
Regionally, it is in Asia, specifically in East Asia, and on the Pacific Rim.
Other nearby markers. At least one other marker is within walking distance of this marker: Scenic Area of Huishan Ancient Town (approx. 0.3 kilometers away).
Photographed by Conrad Ward, November 22, 2019
2. Longguang Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2024, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2024, by Conrad Ward of Guilford, Connecticut. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
