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Jiaxiu Tower 

 

Jiaxiu tower stands on Aojishi, a giant turtle-shaped stone in Bihan Lake in the south of Guiyang. It was first built during the Ming Emperor Wanli’s reign (1573-1619) to add fengshui to the dike connecting the south bank constructed at the command of Jiang Dong, the provincial governor. Governor Jiang named the tower Jiaxiu which means achieving excellence in imperial examinations in ancient Chinese. Despite six major renovations and exposure to the elements, the tower still stands erect, witnessing a period of 400 years in the history of Guiyang.


The tower is a three-storied structure with pyramid roofs and three eves, which is the only one of its kind in the ancient architectural history of China. The tower is about 20 meters high with overhanging eves of curved angles. The first eve is supported by 12 stone pillars, and the base of the tower is surrounded by white stone balustrades with carved flowers. Outside the tower is the 90-meter long Fuyu Bridge like a white dragon lying on water, joining the two banks of the lake. On Fuyu Bridge stands Hanbi Pavilion; under the bridge lies Bihan Lake and Shuiyue Terrace; and to the south of the bridge stands Cuiwei Pavilion. The reflection of Jiaxiu Tower in Nanming River is just like a beautiful picture.

 
 
 
 
 

 

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