Kui Xing Tower, also known as Kui Xing Pavilion, is a structure built in honor of Kui Xing, the god who presides over the rise and fall of literary works in the minds of Confucian scholars. Kui Xing holds an unparalleled status.
Holding a large writing brush in his right hand, known as the vermilion pen, symbolizing the selection of successful candidates by marking their names, Kui Xing wields an ink pot in his left hand.
Standing on one foot in the form of a golden rooster, he tramples on the head of a large Ao fish (a type of large turtle) in the sea, signifying ‘soaring above all’. His left foot is positioned in a manner that echoes the large curved hook at the bottom right of the character On his foot are the Seven Stars of the Big Dipper. See the illustration as if seeing the character itself.
In ancient times, Kui Xing Towers could be found in various locations, where scholars would worship Kui Xing to pray for success in the imperial examinations. Kui Xing Tower, with its rich Chinese ethnic style and local cultural characteristics, is part of the splendid Chinese cultural heritage.
The initial construction of Kui Xing Tower in Chongqing began in the third year of the Qing Yongzheng era when the breeze of literary fortune entered Jiangzhou, near the Confucian Temple by the Fuzi Pond.
The original Kui Xing Tower was demolished in 1953. In the 1990s, a new Kui Xing Tower and square were built in the style of ancient commercial architecture. The tower is open all year round, with full-day access.
