Jiaxiu Tower is a magnificent, three-level pavilion about 20 meters high. Its turnup eaves and white stone pillars are well carved and preserved. Located in the water and connected by the Fuyu Bridge (Floating Bridge) at two banks, the tower has green tiles, red pillars, engraved windows and white stone parapets, creating a superb and striking appearance. While ascending the tower, visitors can enjoy a nice view of the surrounding scenery.
The tower has a long history. During the Ming Dynasty (1573-1620), the local majesty, Jiang Dongzhi, ordered a causeway built where the tower sits today, to link to the southern bank of the Nanming River. Later, a pavilion was built to honor the first scholar of the time, in hopes of encouraging more scholars to follow his example. Thus, the tower was named "Jiaxiu Tower", which means "First Scholar's Tower". In 1621, the original pavilion burned down and the stadholder of the time rebuilt it. In 1689, the tower was destroyed again, and then Majesty Tianwen rebuilt it. So far, the tower has been reconstructed six times. For 400 years, it has been the symbol of Guiyang city and has witnessed its history as well as future development.
Inside Jiaxiu Tower is a good collection of authentic works and paintings from ancient calligraphers. Of them, the most famous one is the couplet written by Liu Yushang during the Qing Dynasty. This couplet consists of 206 words, with 87 words in the first and second lines, respectively, or 26 words more than the "longest couplet" preserved in the Big Guan Tower in Kunming. This couplet is notable not only for its length, but also for its value to literature. Its choice of words is so delicate and magnificent that it penetrates not only the history of the tower but also the universal life of human beings.
Under Jiaxiu Tower is Fuyu Bridge (Jade Floating Bridge), made of white stone and well-engraved parapets. From a distance, the bridge looks like a dragon floating in the river.
The night scene at the tower is most impressive. Colorfully decorated with lanterns, the tower is reflected in the water and looks so beautiful that people may feel as if they had gone back to ancient times.
Transport: Take buses No. 1, 2, 6, 8, 11, 17, 61 or 68 and get off at the South Gate stop.