鼓楼

The Zhenhai Tower a five-story pagoda stands tall. It’s a landmark easily spotted from afar. This is the Zhenhai Tower also known as the Five Storey Pagoda in Guangzhou. Built in 1380 its location atop a hill now part of Yuexiu Park made it prominent. Imagine the view from its heights in 1900. The Old City of Guangzhou surrounded by walls was a sight to behold. These walls were a bi-colored marvel red sandstone at the base topped with grey bricks. They were eight to fourteen meters high six meters thick. The Old City was divided into smaller walled units called yamen. Civil officials worked in front halls while living in back halls. Two main avenues cut through the city. One ran north to south. The other ran east to west. The Gate of Virtue stood proudly in the south with its four massive ornamental stone arches. The walls were surrounded by ditches except to the south where the New City lay. Ida Pfeiffer a traveler disguised as a man described the outer walls as being overgrown with vegetation. They resembled a magnificent hedge. This must have been a stunning sight. The western part of the Old City housed the Manchu the military class. Their homes were made of adobe whitewashed with black borders. Red suns and symbolic animals decorated the walls. The Tartar General lived in a grand yamen a two-story building. It was considered one of the largest in China. The building was more noticeable from a distance than up close. After a bombardment part was occupied by the British consul. The east side housed Chinese officials. Their yamen were made of wood and brick. The Examination Hall a large rectangular structure was located in the southeast. The Zhenhai Tower the Flowery Pagoda and the minaret of the Huaisheng Mosque were notable landmarks. The Flowery Pagoda an octagonal tower over fifty meters tall had multiple levels and roofs. The minaret of the Huaisheng Mosque a circular two-level tower is still standing today. It’s nicknamed the Smooth Pagoda. The Zhenhai Tower stood proudly as one of Guangzhou’s most remarkable features. It was and remains a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural heritage. The geomancers considered the Zhenhai Tower the stern sheets of a junk the city itself being the junk. The Zhenhai Tower stood as a silent witness to the passage of centuries. It continues to inspire awe and wonder in all who behold its majestic presence.