600-Year-Old Jiaxiu Tower | The Cultural Soul of Guiyang, A Poetic Scroll Along the Nanming River

Jiaxiu Tower | Guiyang's 600-Year-Old Poetic Landmark, A Landscape Scroll Weaving Ancient Charm with Modernity [Attraction Overview] Jiaxiu Tower, the crown jewel of Guiyang's southern attractions, was built in 1598 during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Named to honor outstanding scholars, it symbolizes Guiyang's cultural heritage. Standing on Ao Ji Rock in the Nanming River, its three-tiered structure with upturned eaves and carved windows exemplifies Ming and Qing architectural beauty. By day, it reflects in the clear waters below; by night, it glows with illumination, earning its reputation as the "living fossil of Guiyang's cultural history." [Must-See Highlights] 1. Main Tower - Climb up for panoramic views of the Nanming River winding like a jade belt around the city, with misty mountains in the distance. Inside, numerous plaques and couplets adorn the walls, most notably Liu Yushan's famous 206-character couplet from the Qing Dynasty, as renowned as the one at Kunming's Daguanlou. - Photo Tips: Capture the full view with Fuyu Bridge in the foreground, or wait for sunset to catch the golden glow on the tower reflected in the water. 2. Fuyu Bridge and Hanbi Pavilion - A seven-arch stone bridge connects to Jiaxiu Tower like a rainbow over water; the Hanbi Pavilion on the bridge offers perfect rest spots for viewing - lotus flowers in summer and misty scenes in winter. 3. Cuiwei Garden - A Ming Dynasty garden adjacent to the tower, featuring historic structures like Gongnan Pavilion and Longmen Academy. With its gray tiles and white walls along winding paths, it's perfect for traditional costume photography. 4. Night Light Show - At dusk, the tower's reflection dances on the river amid colorful lights, creating a dialogue between ancient and modern architecture. Best enjoyed with a stroll along the riverside path. [Recommended Routes] Half-day Essential Tour Main Tower → Fuyu Bridge Walk → Tea at Cuiwei Garden → Nanming River Night Views Full-day In-depth Tour Jiaxiu Tower (morning) → Wenchang Pavilion (1.5km, Ming Dynasty Taoist building) → Lunch at Huguo Road (local snacks) → Guizhou Provincial Museum (afternoon, learn about Guizhou history) → Evening views at Jiaxiu Tower [Nearby Dining Guide] - Changwang Noodles: Guiyang's breakfast favorite, try "Nanmenkou Changwang Noodles" (800m from tower), known for spicy oil and tender blood curd - Siwawa: DIY wrapped vegetables at "Baozhen" (Jiaxiu Tower branch) - get window seats for tower views - Sour Fish Soup: Old Kaili Sour Fish Soup (Wenchang Pavilion branch), perfectly sour and spicy, authentic with houttuynia dipping sauce - Dessert: Try Guiyang ice slush (mango sticky rice flavor) at "Yibei Town" while watching sunset over the tower [Practical Information] - Admission: Jiaxiu Tower free, Cuiwei Garden CNY 2/person - Hours: 8:30-22:00 (night lights from around 19:00-22:00) - Transportation - Bus: Routes 15, 34, 46 to "Jiaxiu Tower" stop - Subway: Line 1 to "Zhongshan West Road" station, 15-minute walk - Taxi: CNY 10-15 from city center - Best Season: Year-round, river is fullest May-October, summer is cool, winter is less crowded [Travel Tips] 1. Wear comfortable shoes for steep stairs; bridges can be slippery when wet 2. Respect historical relics; bring insect repellent for Cuiwei Garden's ancient trees 3. Visit before 9am or after 7pm on weekends and holidays to avoid crowds 4. Limited parking available, public transport recommended [Closing Words] "One river's sparkle, one tower's poetry; half a city's lights, half a city's history." Jiaxiu Tower is Guiyang's eternal nostalgia and travelers' first chapter in understanding Guizhou. Here, witness a 600-year-old performance of nature and culture, Let the Nanming River's breeze carry the chimes of ancient eaves And Guiyang's leisurely pace into your memories. 📸 Follow me for more hidden travel inspirations!