Jianyuan Tower

Jianyuan Tower

Jianyuan Tower is a cultural tourism attraction.

Jianyuan Tower, also known as Wenming Tower, is located atop Meihualing in Jushui Township, about 18.5 kilometers southeast of Qingyuan County’s county seat.

According to the “Genealogy of the Wu Clan,” the name “Jianyuan” is interpreted as follows: “Jian” means to recommend, and “Yuan” refers to the top scholar (zhuangyuan), symbolizing a place that nurtures scholars. The tower derives its name from this interpretation and was built in the first year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1662). Its base is 2.5 meters high and covers an area of 40 square meters, constructed from brick. Originally seven stories tall, with each floor about 2 meters high and topped with purple tiles, the tower stood tall and majestic before being struck by lightning. Only five stories remain today. It is the only ancient tower in the county.