Poised between the Jiefang Bridge and Fubo Mountain stands Xiaoyao Tower. It is more than just a building. It is a landmark in downtown Guilin. Xiaoyao Tower whispers tales of dynasties past. This tower’s story begins in the Tang Dynasty.
Do you know how old Xiaoyao Tower is? It was first erected in 621. Li Jing was the governor of Guizhou then. He built Guizhou city around Duxiu Mountain. That area was called the “Zi city.” Xiaoyao Tower became the city’s eastern watchtower.
Imagine scholars ascending Xiaoyao Tower. They would write poems and paint pictures. They would also feast and drink. Xiaoyao Tower marked the entrance to Guilin. People from the Central Plains passed through it. Officials and poets visited Xiaoyao Tower. They expressed their feelings in poems.
Centuries passed. Xiaoyao Tower faced destruction and rebuilding. In 1102, Chengjie rebuilt it. He was an official from Guangxi. The tower was briefly named “Xiangnan Tower.” Guilin’s people preferred the original name. “Xiaoyao Tower” has more history, they said.
The War of Resistance Against Japan brought devastation. Xiaoyao Tower burned to the ground. In 1939, the city walls were torn down. Stones were used to build a bridge. A stone tablet of Xiaoyao Tower was moved. It was placed in Qixing Park for protection.
Even the words “Xiaoyao Tower” were damaged. That happened during the Cultural Revolution. In 1972, the city restored the stone monument. They used the old design.
In 2014, reconstruction began. The government saw it as vital. It would strengthen Guilin’s culture. They chose a site near the Jiefang Bridge. It was close to the original location. The style would reflect the Tang Dynasty. After a year, Xiaoyao Tower reappeared.
Today, Xiaoyao Tower has historical exhibits inside. A landscape corridor is on the second floor. From there, you can see the Li River. You can also see Zizhou Park and Qixing Scenic Area. Xiaoyao Tower offers a new perspective.
Xiaoyao Tower is free to enter. It is open from 9 am to 6 pm. It represents Guilin’s cultural heritage. Rebuilding it awakens memories. It promotes the city’s culture. Xiaoyao Tower strengthens the pride of Guilin’s people. It enriches Guilin’s tourism. It showcases Guilin’s past glories. So go explore the past in Xiaoyao Tower.