Héqǔ

Hequ takes its name from a bend in the Yellow River, which flows beside the western side of the town. Its ferry at Xikou linked the riverbanks and became a busy point for travellers and merchants. A defensive tower by the crossing bears an inscription dating it to 1576. Across the town on East Hill stands the Wenbi Pagoda, built in 1794 with donations from local scholars who hoped to encourage learning and improve the fortunes of their county.