Attractions – Chaoyang Tower
A towering Ming Dynasty gate that opens onto the streets of Jianshui Ancient Town inside the city walls, Chaoyang Tower houses the eastern gate to the town. Its layered roofs and the imposing height of the smooth red city wall make it a distinctive part of the ancient town’s skyline.
What is Chaoyang Tower
Chaoyang Tower means “facing the sun”. It is one of the most recognisable sites in Jianshui, with its impressive height and colourful exterior. The tower has three levels, with curved roofs, painted pillars and carved wooden doors.
History of the tower
The tower was built in 1389 during the Ming Dynasty, 28 years before Tiananmen Tower in Beijing. It shares similarities with Tiananmen Tower, including its uniform red surface and impressive scale. Chaoyang Tower is the last remaining tower of the four that once stood on the cardinal points of the city wall. The other three collapsed due to war, fires and earthquakes.
Under the eaves hang two plaques. One is inscribed by calligrapher Tu Rizhou in the Qing Dynasty and reads “Majestic Guardian of the Southwest”. The other is written in cursive script imitating the calligraphy of Zhang Xu, a famous Tang Dynasty poet, and reads “Flying Clouds and Flowing Mist”. This is referencing the view of mist that appears to flow over the mountains near Jianshui.
Time at Chaoyang Tower
The tower cannot be missed when entering the ancient town, as the pathway through opens onto the main street. Another feature of the tower is the two-meter-high Ming Dynasty bell that is struck at sunset every day.
Below the tower is a popular meeting place for locals, with a small bird and antique market. The upper floor has a teahouse where traditional song and dance shows are held every evening. Visitors can also explore the exhibition of historical photos on the top floor. The 25-meter-high tower and the city wall were designed to protect Jianshui against invaders. Today, it allows travellers to enjoy wide views of the tiled roofs of the town and the distant hills.
When to visit
The tower can be visited throughout the year due to Jianshui’s subtropical climate. Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather and clear skies. Summer is the rainy season, bringing lush scenery along with occasional rain showers and some humidity.
Mornings are ideal for sunrise photography and the bird market. In the hour before sunset, the tower is cast in a golden glow. As evening falls, the tower lights up along with the streets of the Ancient Town.
Does Chaoyang Tower suit your travel style?
Chaoyang Tower suits travellers who enjoy historical landmarks, photography, and exploring ancient towns on foot.
The tower is often visited as part of the ancient town alongside the nearby Zhu Family Garden and the Confucius Temple and can usually be explored within one hour.
Chaoyang Tower with Wonders of Yunnan
When designing a tour through southern Yunnan, Chaoyang Tower is often included in time in Jianshui Ancient Town. Visitors can choose to walk through the gate and admire it from below, or enter the tower to explore the views, teahouse and exhibition.
Combining Chaoyang Tower with time in the ancient town allows visitors to experience this significant historical landmark before continuing through Jianshui’s old streets.
Link to 4-day Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang tour