Shaoyang Tower

Updated 2026-05-18

The architectural crown of Shaoguan National Forest Park

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Perched at the top of Lotus Mountain (Lianhua Shan) within the Shaoguan National Forest Park, this magnificent five-storey structure, a harmonious blend of classical Chinese architecture and local Lingnan craftsmanship, offers visitors the best panoramic views of the Three Rivers and Six Banks that define Shaoguan's landscape.
A stairway lined with thousand-year-old pine trees leads up to this impressive pagoda-like tower, which sits on the site of a lost Tang-era structure.

Tang Dynasty Legacy

The original Shaoyang Tower has its roots in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Multiple historical sources confirm that a tower named Shaoyang stood on the bank of the Zhenjiang River as early as the Tang era and was a well-known landmark. However, the original structure was destroyed probably towards the end of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368).

It is only in 2006, that the Shaoguan municipal government decided to revive this lost cultural heritage.
Construction of the new Shaoyang Tower began in June 2007 and was completed on October 2009.
The old name has been kept to link the modern tower with its illustrious Tang predecessor, ensuring that Shaoguan's profound history would not be forgotten.

Five Floors, Five Chapters of Shaoguan's History

The interior of Shaoyang Tower is designed as a vertical museum, with each of its five floors (representing the 5 classical Chinese elements : Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth), dedicated to a different cultural theme.
The aim is to ensure that climbing the tower allows one to understand Shaoguan's history and culture.

1. Long History of Shaoguan : Ancient culture of Shaoguan and exhibits about the 韶 Shao character's origin.
2. Listening to Shao Music : dedicated to the Shao music tradition, dance, and ancient ritual.
3. Eternal Grace of Zhang Jiuling : Honours Zhang Jiuling, brilliant Tang Dynasty chancellor and poet from Shaoguan
4. The Lingering Sound of Zen : Explores the connection between Shaoguan and Zen Buddhism (More about it).
5. Graceful Lotus Peak : Traditional music is played on a replica set of ancient bronze (bianzhong)

The tower also regularly hosts public activities for the whole family, (treasure hunts, archery and guessing games...), making your visit both educational and fun.

Nearby Attractions

• Fengcai Tower : built in memory of the incorruptible Song Dynasty official Yu Jing
• Century East Street
• Binlu Building : houses an exhibition on the urban history of Shaoguan.
• Tongtian Pagoda

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