Kuixing Tower

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled in Yuzhong District, Chongqing, Kuixing Pavilion (also known as Kuixing Tower) is a 300-year-old cultural landmark originally built in 1725 (Qing Emperor Yongzheng's reign) near Confucius Temple. As a sacred site for scholars seeking literary fortune, it embodies Daoist and Confucian traditions, with its iconic "Kuixing" statue—a deity holding a writing brush and inkstone, standing on a turtle’s head to symbolize "topping the charts." Destroyed in 1953, the current structure, rebuilt in the 1990s, blends Qing-style architecture with modern uses, now serving as a cultural hub adjacent to Chongqing Medical University Second Hospital. It’s a UNESCO-recognized heritage site reflecting Chongqing’s historical and cultural evolution.

Architectural Layout & Design

• The 30-meter-high, 600-square-meter pavilion features a four-tiered, eight-sided hipped roof with gray-tiled eaves, intricate carved brackets, and a "suspended column" design where eight golden columns support the structure, creating a levitating effect.
• The ground floor boasts eight corridor columns and eight golden pillars, while the top-floor observatory offers panoramic views of the mountain city.
• The octagonal layout, asymmetric facades, and Qing-era wood craftsmanship—including lattice windows and painted beams—highlight traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics.

Major Attractions

• Observatory Deck: 18th-floor views of Chongqing’s skyline and Yangtze River, especially stunning at night.
• Kuixing Statue: A 3-meter-high, red-faced deity with a quill, inkstone, and turtle-mounted stance, representing academic success.
• Historic Plaza: Surrounded by Ba-style stone courtyards and timber houses, hosting cultural exhibitions and folk performances.
• Film City Integration: Scenes from Crazy Stone filmed at nearby Luohan Temple, a 5A-rated ancient temple with unique rock carvings.
• Magical Sky Bridge: A 22-floor suspended walkway linking to Hongya Cave, a 4A-rated riverside market with night markets and street food.

Ticket Information

• Free Entry: Most areas open 9:00–22:00; observatory and special exhibits require ¥30–150 tickets.
• Guided Tours: ¥200–400 for heritage walks or cultural immersion.
• Combined Packages: ¥250–400 with Yangtze River cruises or Three Gorges Museum access.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transit: Metro Lines 1/2 to Jiaochangkou Station; buses 462, 465, or ferry to Hongya Cave.
• Self-Drive: 10-minute drive from Jiefangbei via G214; parking at north/south gates (¥10–20/day).
• Walking Routes: Electric shuttles to Hongya Cave and Luohan Temple; pedestrian bridges connect to cliff-side pathways.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) for azaleeas and Festivals; autumn (Sep–Nov) for clear skies. Avoid summer rains.
• Photography: Dawn for misty peaks; sunset for golden-hour lighting at the pavilion.
• Packing: Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes for steep stairs; oxygen tanks not needed.
• Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes in temples; respect rituals during Lantern Festival and Temple Fairs.

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Kuixing Pavilion observatory + Hongya Cave night market.
  • Afternoon: Luohan Temple rock carvings + Yangtze River Cruise.
  • Evening: Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street for shopping and city lights.
• Cultural Synergy: Pair with Shibaoshan Grottoes for Tibetan Buddhism or Wulong Karst for natural wonders.

Chongqing Kuixing Pavilion epitomizes the city’s soul—where history, faith, and modernity converge. As a UNESCO gem, it continues to inspire global travelers seeking cultural depth in China’s southwest.