Jiaxiu Tower
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Originally built in 1598, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Jiaxiu Tower is the symbol of Guiyang City in Guizhou Province. Known as the First Scholar’ Tower, it was built on Fuyu Bridge over the Nanming River. The architecture of the tower is beautiful and it is a popular meeting place.
The tower is a three storey structure which is 20 meters high. It is tiled with green tiles and is supported by red pillars. The architecture and craftsmanship of the tower is very impressive. The upper floors of the tower offer visitors incredible views of the surrounding area. At night, the tower is at its best. It is lit up and its reflection in the water is breathtaking.
In China’s dynastic past, the dream of most men were to become a government official and how this was done, was by imperial examinations. Guizhou took pride in the officials it had produced and the local city leader ordered the tower to be built, to encourage examination candidates. He named it Jiaxiu, which means getting first place in the imperial examinations. After the tower was built, three Guizhou residents became top scholars in the examinations.
