In ancient China, Feng Shui (Wind Water), the art of positioning building, graves or furniture, was believed to bring positive or negative effect to the ones' life. A seven-tier hollow Wenchang Pagoda was said to bring scholarly honor and advancement in one's career in Feng Shui practice. In Wenchang Pagoda, 'Wen', written in Chinese pinyin, means knowledge while 'Chang' means prosperous; and when combined, a complex meaning: prosperous/profound knowledge is made. Due to the wish of enhancing the capability of ones' offspring, so many such structures were built nationwide. The Wenchang Pagoda in Beihai City, Guangxi Province is one such example that has been bequeathed to us today.

The Wenchang Pagoda in Beihai, also known as the Wenbi (literary talent) Pagoda, stands about three kilometers (about two miles) from Hepu County. The construction of the pagoda dates back to the year 1613 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Just like other similar pagodas, the name was given to pray for civilized children. It is now leading the pagodas in South Guangxi Province and is helpful for people today to understand the culture and architectural mechanics in ancient times. From the top, looking southward, you will have a wonderful panoramic view of Beihai City.

This Pavilion-Style Pagoda, about 36 meters (about 118 feet) in height, is a seven-storied octagonal building. There are many small doors in accordance with the octagonal shape. Only doors facing east and west are for ventilation purpose; the rest serve as decorative artificial doors. With the body white and the corners and doors red, it looks both plain and striking simultaneously. It reduces in width from the base in six further tiers, like seven inverted lotus flowers. The flowers take on the smaller, the higher, with a dark red calabash at its pinnacle.