Jiaxiu Tower

甲秀楼

A three-tier Ming-era pavilion built on the Ao Ji rock in the Nanming River, the symbol of Guiyang. Together with Fuyu Bridge and Cuiwei Garden, it forms the Nanming River's most iconic view.

Jiaxiu Tower stands in the middle of the Nanming River in central Guiyang. Construction began in 1598, in the 26th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming dynasty, under the supervision of Jiang Dongzhi, the Governor of Guizhou. Its name, meaning “outstanding scholars,” expresses the hope that Guizhou would produce many talented people. The present tower was rebuilt during the Xuantong reign of the Qing dynasty. It has three stories and three eaves, with a pyramidal roof at each corner, and stands about 20 meters tall on the Ao Ji rock in the river. A nine-arch stone bridge, Fuyu Bridge, connects it to both banks. The tower is Guiyang's city emblem and a national key cultural heritage site.

Inside, the tower displays calligraphy and plaques by Guizhou luminaries of the Qing dynasty. The most famous is a 206-character couplet by Liu Yushan, a Qing-era writer, often called “the second-longest couplet under heaven.” On the south bank of the bridge, Cuiwei Garden is a garden converted from a Ming-dynasty temple. It includes Gongnan Pavilion, Danhua Kongcui Garden, and Longmen Academy. Together with Jiaxiu Tower, it forms one scenic area, and admission to the garden is free.

Night is the best time to visit. The tower and Fuyu Bridge are lit up, their reflections shimmer on the river, and people on both banks take evening walks, dance, and join street music gatherings. During the day, you can climb the tower for views over the Nanming River. Allow about 40 minutes for a visit. It is often combined in one day with Wenchang Pavilion (an old Ming tower about a 15-minute walk away), Qianling Mountain, or the Minsheng Road night market.

Getting there: Walk about 10 to 15 minutes from Penshuichi Station on Metro Line 1 or Wenchangge Station on Line 2. Bus stop “Jiaxiu Tower” is right at the site.

Tips: Visitor numbers on the tower are limited, and queues are long on public holidays. Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowded riverside areas at night. The stone slabs on the bridge can be slippery. Smoking and open flames are prohibited inside the tower.

Jiaxiu Tower

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