Xuanjian Tower

Yuci City, Shanxi, China
1515
Xuanjian Tower is the main building in the central axis of the complex known as Town God's Temple. When it was rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, the two-story, all-wood structure was joined seamlessly to the complex's Music Tower, itself an impressive two-story building with a classic Chinese hip-and-gable roof. Xuanjian Tower is an exemplar of traditional Taoist motifs--balanced proportions, fantastically articulated eaves, "flying" rafters, colorfully painted support beams, and glazed roof tiles. Considerable alterations were made to the Tower when it was converted into a shoe factory in the 1950s, including the wholesale removal of carved motifs, roof brackets, and other vital support members. The repaving of a roadway in front of the Tower has prevented rainwater from draining away from the foundation, which has eroded considerably. Although routine maintenance is now performed, the foundation needs to be rebuilt, which requires lifting the Tower at least a full meter. Beams, columns, doors, and window frames are rotting. With proper restoration, Xuanjian can take on a new role as a town museum.