猫の石塔
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📍 Location: Huangyi Town, Longmatan District, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province
The Cat Stone Pagoda was originally constructed during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (circa 1530). It is one of the few surviving brick and stone pagodas from the Ming era in southern Sichuan. According to the "Luzhou Chronicles," the pagoda was originally built as a "water-control tower" at a strategically perilous location where the Yangtze River meets the Tuo River, intended to suppress flooding and safeguard the surrounding region. The name "Cat Stone" derives from a large natural rock near the pagoda’s base that resembles a cat’s head. Local legends say this stone represents a "divine cat guarding the pagoda," giving rise to its name.
The pagoda is a six-sided, five-story, solid brick structure, standing approximately 18 meters tall with a base diameter of about 6 meters. Constructed with blue bricks, it features a gradual inward tapering design, overhanging eaves formed by corbelled layers, and a hemispherical stupa at the summit. Each level includes decorative false windows with intricate carvings—though not functional for passage—reflecting typical architectural styles of the Ming Dynasty. Despite enduring centuries of wind and rain, the pagoda remains largely intact, with noticeable weathering in certain areas, conveying a profound sense of historical depth.
Inside the pagoda, archaeologists have unearthed Ming-era copper coins, ceramic fragments, and a broken stele. One fragment bears the inscription “Built in the Year Gengxu of the Jiajing Era,” providing crucial physical evidence for confirming its construction date. Some bricks on the exterior still bear faint inscriptions—possibly names of craftsmen or dates of manufacture—offering significant archaeological value. In 2013, it was designated a Luzhou Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.
The Cat Stone Pagoda stands not only as a symbol of ancient hydraulic engineering wisdom but also as a testament to the fusion of local folk beliefs and nature worship. Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, residents continue the tradition of climbing to the top for blessings and offering incense at the pagoda, preserving their reverence for nature and history.
📌 Tip: A large ancient banyan tree nearby provides shade, making it an ideal spot for photography and quiet reflection—perfect for experiencing the authentic rural culture of southern Sichuan.