Black Hill, Fuzhou

Black Pagoda

Black Hill (Wushan) in the town center has been a popular spot for outings hundreds of years. It is one of the three hills in Fuzhou city. It stands next to Yu Hill, 84 meters above sea level. It boasts many places of historical interest and the most famous is the Black pagoda (Wu Ta), one of the "The Opposing pagodas": White pagoda (Bai Ta) and Black pagoda (Wu Ta). The Black pagoda gets its name because it stands on the southern slope of the Black Hill (Wu Shan) or Black Rock Hill (Wu Shi Shan). It is 35 meters in height, dating from the year 941, also seven-tiered and octagonal. Its formal name was Pagoda of Wisdom, Sacredness and Solidity (Chong Miao Bao Sheng Jian Lao Ta).
Withstanding many repairs throughout different dynasties, the pagoda`s architectural style remains mainly that of the Five Dynasties. And in the course of extensive restoration work in 1957 measures were taken to halt the subsidence which had occurred on one side. Near the Black Pagoda there is a stele from the Tang era. There are 200 odd inscriptions now. Many have left their handwriting on the cliffs, such as Li Yangbing in the Tang Dynasty, Cai Xiang, Li Gang and Zhu Xi in the Song Dynasty and Sha Dula in the Yuan Dynasty. The best-known is that made in 772 by Li Yangbing, a notable Tang calligrapher. Of historical importance are inscriptions made by some eunuchs from the Ming period (1368AD-1644AD), giving detailed descriptions of their many duties, especially of their work in the shipyards.It's a nice place to practice calligraphy. In the hill, pavilions, platforms, inscriptions on the cliffs and tall trees are harmonious with each other making it a great resort for recreation.There are many odd rocks and tall trees in the hill. On top of the hill, we can even have a bird's eye view of Fuzhou city.