Jiaxiu Tower: Guiyang's Four-Century Cultural Landmark

📜 Origin of Jiaxiu Tower: Dominating the Top for Four Hundred Years Legendary Beginning Jiaxiu Tower was first built in the 26th year of the Ming Wanli era (1598). Jiang Dongzhi, the governor of Guizhou, saw a natural aoji rock in the Nanming River and decided to build the tower on it. The name "Jiaxiu" means "top scholar standing out," symbolizing the abundant talents of Guizhou. After the tower was completed, Guizhou's literary atmosphere flourished. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, three top scholars, 700 jinshi degree holders, and 6,000 juren degree holders emerged, fulfilling the beautiful wish of "dominating the top." Architectural Aesthetics The tower is a three-story, three-eave pavilion with a four-cornered pointed roof, about 20 meters high. It features white stone railings, flying eaves, and stone pillars supporting the eaves. Together with Fuyu Bridge, Hanbi Pavilion, and Cuiwei Garden, it forms the ancient architectural group known as the "Southern City Scenic Spots." Inside the tower, a 206-character long couplet written by Qing scholar Liu Yunliang is praised as the "best couplet in the world," vividly describing Guiyang’s landscape and historical changes. Six Rebirths Over four centuries, Jiaxiu Tower has been destroyed by war and floods. The current building was rebuilt in 1981 according to the style of the Qing Xuantong period and was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2006. Today, it is not only the "city emblem" of Guiyang but also a cultural landmark where locals exercise in the morning and tourists check in. 🌿 Half-Day Tour Guide: Unlock Three Experiences in Three Hours First Stop: Jiaxiu Tower (15:30-16:30) Enjoy the View: Look down at the Nanming River from the railing, photograph the "Southern City Relics" stone archway and the Jiangnan charm of the green-tiled white walls of Cuiwei Garden. The soft evening light makes for better photos. Tips: Closed on Mondays (advance booking available on "One Code Travel Guizhou"), bring a folding umbrella in June due to frequent rain. Second Stop: Cuiwei Garden (16:40-17:20) Secret Garden: A 5-minute walk to Guiyang’s most complete Ming dynasty architectural complex. See the poetic scene described by Wang Yangming, "Pine forest at dusk with a thousand peaks in the rain." The green waterfall of climbing ivy on the walls is a summer-exclusive beauty. Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: The Longmen Academy inside often hosts exhibitions of Guizhou batik and silver jewelry, where you can make a simple batik bookmark by hand (advance reservation required). Third Stop: Cao Zhuangyuan Street (17:30-18:30) Scholarly Heritage: A 15-minute walk to the former residence of Qing dynasty military top scholar Cao Weicheng. Experience the ancient imperial examination immersively through the VR exhibition hall, check in at the "Military Top Scholar Archway" and the 3D naked-eye LED screen. Republican Era Style: Visit the Dai Yunshan Villa, a retro photo spot with wooden spiral stairs and colorful stained glass windows. On the third floor, the "Dade Academy" bookstore offers coffee and leisure reading. Fourth Stop: Qingyun Market (18:40-20:30) Trendy Night Feast: A 10-minute taxi ride to the industrial-style market. Recommended photo spots include the "Chimney Installation Art" and the "Starry Sky Corridor." Pair your visit with Zhouji’s grilled fish (spicy flavor + fish mint dipping sauce) and Hulaolu’s iron skewers grilled beef. Dessert Finale: Walk to "Shede Ice Slush" opposite Jiaxiu Tower and order lychee ice slush with crushed peanuts. This 20-year-old shop uses authentic ingredients and never disappoints. 🍲 Jiaxiu Tower Surrounding Food Map Must-Try Time-Honored Brands Nanmenkou Changwang Noodles: Featured on "Day Day Up," the red oil soup base is simmered for 8 hours, with tender blood curd and noodles made without adding a drop of water. Lei’s Tofu Balls: An intangible cultural heritage snack on Cao Zhuangyuan Street, crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in sauce with fish mint and spicy chili, a genuine Guiyang flavor. Suni Coffee: A scenic spot right opposite Jiaxiu Tower. The "If Clouds Know" special coffee paired with tiramisu offers a view of the tower’s reflection on the water. High-End Choices Qianyuan Nuo (Caihu Road Branch): An intangible cultural heritage Nuo opera-themed restaurant. Sour soup abalone paired with Miao bamboo fungus stewed chicken. Private rooms can be booked for Nuo opera performances. Lao Kaili Sour Soup Fish (Provincial Government Road Branch): A representative of Guizhou sour soup fish, with a red sour soup base and rice field fish. The dipping sauce with litsea cubeba oil is the soul of the dish. Snack Paradise Li Lanying Hunan Noodles: A popular shop on Cao Zhuangyuan Street, spicy chicken noodles and crispy noodles are satisfyingly spicy, paired with iced jelly to balance the heat. Kang’s Crispy Noodles: A time-honored brand on Minsheng Road, crispy and fragrant noodles paired with a bowl of vegetarian noodles is perfect. 🚶 Transportation and Practical Tips Route Optimization: Jiaxiu Tower → Cuiwei Garden → Cao Zhuangyuan Street → Qingyun Market, mostly walking plus short taxi rides to avoid traffic jams on Zhonghua Road from 3 to 6 pm. Photo Guide: Jiaxiu Tower night lights turn on at 19:30. The red wall on the west side of Cuiwei Garden and the Military Top Scholar Archway on Cao Zhuangyuan Street are great spots for ancient-style photos. Booking Reminder: Jiaxiu Tower requires booking on "One Code Travel Guizhou." Cuiwei Garden and Cao Zhuangyuan Street are free to enter. Visit to Dai Yunshan Villa should avoid wedding photo shoot times. Following this itinerary, you can touch Guiyang’s four-century cultural heritage in half a day—from historic towers to local life, from sour soup fish to ice slush—fully unlocking the charm of "Refreshing Guiyang." 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