Buzz
2. The Wisdom Tower
The most famous legend about the Wisdom Tower tells of a man named Yi Kaizhan during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). He was highly skilled in mathematics. He calculated that they would need 99,999 bricks to build the Wisdom Tower. The supervisor doubted him, stating that if he miscalculated even by one brick, the workers would suffer for three years.
Upon completing the gate, one brick remained, and the supervisor was delighted, ready to punish them. However, Yi Kaizhan explained that the brick was placed there by a deity, and even a slight shift would cause the wall to collapse. Thus, the brick was left untouched, and today it still remains at the tower of the Wisdom Tower. Another version tells that Yi Kaizhan accurately calculated the number of bricks needed but added one extra brick as suggested by the supervisor.
3. Legend of Ly Son Tower
This story takes place during the Western Chu period (1122-711 BC). King Chu had a queen named Bao Tu, an exceptionally beautiful woman. The king adored her, but Bao Tu never smiled.
An official suggested that lighting the Ly Son Tower could frighten the people and make the queen laugh. The king liked the idea. The people were deceived, and the queen smiled at the chaotic scene. Later, when enemy forces invaded Western Chu, the king set fire to the tower to seek help, but no vassal states came as they had been deceived once. The king was killed by the enemy, and Western Chu fell.
4. Xifeng Kou Fortress (translated as “Blissful Reunion”)
Soldiers stationed at the northern border of China along the Great Wall have a year-round duty. This not only saddens them but also their families and loved ones. A young soldier guarding the northern territory of China along the Great Wall for years without leave, with only his elderly father living alone in their hometown.
The father, advanced in years, feared he might never see his son again. Thus, he traveled to the area where his son was stationed, possibly for the last time. Upon arriving at the fortress, he coincidentally encountered his son. They recognized each other, embracing in tears and laughter. Surprisingly, both passed away right there on the spot of their reunion. In remembrance of the father and son, the fortress where they reunited was named Xifeng Kou (“Blissful Reunion”). They symbolize the thousands of soldiers and families separated by duty.
5. Golden Pathway
60 km north of Beijing lies a segment of the Great Wall named Huang Hua Cheng (translated as “Yellow Flower Fortress”), so-called because during summer, the entire area is covered in yellow flowers.
Construction of Huang Hua Cheng began in 1575 during the Ming Dynasty under the supervision of General Cai Kai. Legend has it that it took many years to complete this section of the Great Wall. When General Cai Kai reported to the emperor in the capital, some jealous courtiers falsely accused him of extravagance and shoddy workmanship. The enraged emperor ordered General Cai's immediate execution.
Some time later, the emperor dispatched a trusted individual to inspect the section of the Great Wall built by General Cai. Upon the return, the inspector reported that the Huang Hua Cheng segment was incredibly sturdy and meticulously constructed. Regretful for hastily causing General Cai's death, the emperor ordered the construction of a tomb and a memorial statue to honor the loyal general. The emperor also inscribed the words “Jin Tang” (translated as “Golden Pathway” – signifying strength and resilience) and commanded them to be carved onto a large stone at the foot of the monument. Thus, this section of the wall came to be known as Golden Fortress.
According to Zing News
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References: Travel Guide Mytour
MytourMarch 4, 2015
