Jiaxiulou

The Symbol of Guiyang

1.Located at: No. 8 Cuiwei Lane, Nanming District, in the heart of Guiyang City, Jiaxiulou Pavilion is the undisputed cultural landmark of the provincial capital. Standing majestically on the Fuyu Bridge (Floating Jade Bridge) over the Nanming River, this architectural masterpiece is hailed as the "First Pavilion in Central Guizhou" and the quintessential symbol of Guiyang. Rising approximately 20 meters high (22.9 meters including the base) on a large rock in the river, the pavilion offers a stunning contrast between ancient elegance and the surrounding modern cityscape.

2.As a: National 4A-level Tourist Attraction and a Key National Cultural Relic Protection Unit, Jiaxiulou is a must-visit destination for travelers. It presents a unique spectacle of "the pavilion in the water, and the water under the pavilion," resembling a classical ink wash painting unfolding before your eyes. Whether under the golden sunlight of day or the brilliant illumination of night, the pavilion reflects the spiritual beauty and humanistic charm of the Guizhou Plateau.

Architectural Mastery and Heritage

Jiaxiulou Pavilion is the oldest and most exquisite existing ancient pavilion in Guizhou. The structure is a three-storied wooden tower featuring a unique "nine eaves and twelve corners" design, with flying eaves that look like wings ready to take flight. The top of the pavilion is adorned with the golden characters "Jiaxiu," shining brightly against the sky.

3.The pavilion sits upon the Fuyu: Bridge, a stone arch bridge dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The bridge spans the emerald Nanming River, and local legends suggest the massive rock base was supported by the Dragon King to ensure the water never submerges the pavilion. This setting reflects the ancient wisdom of "harmony between heaven and man," creating a breathtaking "water-top" architectural wonder.

A Legacy of Literature and "Number One"

4.The history of: Jiaxiulou dates back to the 26th year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1598). It was built by Jiang Dongzhi, the Governor of Guizhou, to revitalize the region's literary fortunes and morale. The name "Jiaxiu" translates to "the finest in Guizhou" or "First in Guizhou," embodying the aspiration that the region would produce talented scholars.

This hope was realized as the pavilion became a center for literary gatherings. It witnessed the rise of Guizhou's education, including the success of Zhao Yijiong, the first "Zhuangyuan" (top scholar) of Guizhou in the Qing Dynasty, who is said to have personally inscribed the "Jiaxiu" plaque. The pavilion houses the "River and Mountains Arching Beauty" plaque bestowed by Emperor Qianlong, and long couplets that speak to the hearts of intellectuals, such as "Within the four seas exist soulmates," highlighting the deep cultural heritage of the site.

A Fusion of Faiths and Nighttime Magic

Culturally, Jiaxiulou is a rare example of the fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The interior enshrines Wenchang Dijun (God of Culture), Kuixing (God of Examinations), Lord Guan (Guandi), and the Three Pure Ones of Taoism, making it a sacred space for praying for academic and career success.

5.The experience of visiting: Jiaxiulou changes with the time of day. In the morning, the river is often shrouded in mist, creating a fairyland atmosphere. However, the most magical moment arrives at night. When the sun sets, the pavilion is illuminated by golden lights that reflect upon the rippling Nanming River, creating a dreamlike vision often referred to as "double towers". Visitors can sit at a nearby tea house, sip covered-bowl tea, listen to traditional Buyi folk songs drifting from the riverbanks, and fully immerse themselves in the poetic lifestyle of Guiyang.