The Shengqi Tower is located in Mochou Lake Park. It is the place where Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Xu Da, the Zhongshan King, played chess. According to legend, Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da often played chess here. Xu Da was highly skilled at chess but always lost every game on purpose. Zhu Yuanzhang knew that he was deliberately losing. So he insisted that Xu Da put aside his concerns and play freely. When Zhu Yuanzhang captured two of Xu Da’s pieces in succession and was feeling pleased with himself, Xu Da asked him to carefully observe the entire chessboard. The chess pieces were unexpectedly arranged into the characters ‘Wansui’ (Long live the emperor). Upon seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely delighted and bestowed this tower and Mochou Lake to Xu Da. Hence the name ‘Shengqi Tower’ came into being. Now, under the south eaves of the tower hangs a large plaque with the words ‘Shengqi Tower’ inscribed by Mei Qizhao, the number one scholar in the Qing Dynasty. Inside the tower are exhibited the chess table where Zhu Yuanzhang and Xu Da played chess, wax figures, imitation dragon robes and crowns, antique jades, ivory carvings, mahogany tables and chairs, as well as famous people’s calligraphy and paintings. Hanging on the wall is a couplet in official script written by female calligrapher Xiao Xian: ‘Zhongfu laid the foundation, and Shicheng played chess.’, which can be regarded as a finishing touch. Opening hours: Open from 08:30 to 17:00 all year round.
Shengqi Tower
The Shengqi Tower is located in Mochou Lake Park. It is the place where Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding [...]
