Jieyang Tower

Jieyang Tower

Jieyang Tower is the symbol of Jieyang City. Located at the eastern entrance of Jieyang’s urban area in Guangdong Province, at the junction of Jiedong District and Rongcheng District, it stands majestically at the gateway where the broad National Highway 206 enters the city, adjacent to the picturesque Rong River. Modeled after Han Dynasty architecture, the 38-meter-tall tower is poised to become a historic city landmark; in addition, its role as a center for new urban planning and historical-cultural exhibition will inspire Jieyang’s six million citizens to carry forward their outstanding cultural traditions and create an even more brilliant future.

The overall layout of the Jieyang Tower complex centers around a square themed “Lotus on Water,” with a small river encircling the main tower, symbolizing the ancient city moat and the charm of a “Lingnan water town.”

The main axis of Jieyang Tower Square runs east-west, with the Shengding Square to the east and the Jieyang City Tower to the west. The tower stands 38 meters tall with five floors in total — two floors for the base platform and three for the tower structure (including one hidden floor).

The main axis of the square runs east-west, with Shengding Square to the east and the five-story tower to the west. In front of the main tower sits a 9.99-meter-high, 58-ton bronze square cauldron, claimed to be the largest and heaviest in the world. A 136-ton Taishan stone, symbolizing “vast spirit,” adds a breathtaking grandeur to the site.

The entire Jieyang Tower Square spans over 300,000 square meters, offering expansive views where both distant and nearby scenes are picturesque.

The Taihe Stele, standing to the southeast of Jieyang Tower, is constructed from over 1,750 tons of premium stone. The two bold characters “Taihe” (Great Harmony), inscribed by Secretary Chen Hongping, are powerful and vigorous. “Taihe” means the great way — the laws and principles governing the development of all things in the universe. To align with the right timing and favorable conditions, to strive for greatness, and to rise strongly is the historical mission bestowed upon Jieyang. On the other side of the stele, the renowned calligrapher Tian Yingzhang showcases the essence of the “Record of Jieyang Tower” through his distinctive and exquisite regular script.

On the other side of the stele, the renowned calligrapher Tian Yingzhang showcases the essence of the “Record of Jieyang Tower” through his distinctive and exquisite regular script.

The winding moat meanders along the boundary of Bao Ding Square. Three arched bridges spanning the water create a completely new ambiance. This atmosphere conveys that the city is no longer confined by rigid barriers. A city without enclosing walls can expand infinitely, and the gently flowing curves of water, not confined to defensive purposes, bring a sense of harmony and spiritual grace, sparking beautiful associations.

The majestic twin watchtowers serve as the grand entrance to Bao Ding Square. This architectural form, popular in the Han Dynasty, has had its original function replaced by the more delicate and graceful style of traditional archways — marking Jieyang as the first in Lingnan to revive this classic design. With well-proportioned dimensions, elegant forms, and complete elements, this set of structures also transcends the historical role of watchtowers — Jieyang aims to construct a grand new style of strength and vision through its symbolic presence.

In front of Jieyang Tower, atop a square protected by the mythical beasts Xie Zhi and Tian Lu, stands a mighty four-legged cauldron. This 9.99-meter-high, 58-ton bronze treasure cauldron holds the title of “the greatest” among similar artifacts existing in the world today. Meticulously cast by Shanghai Jiao Tong University Bronze Company, it is also a true work of art. The number 9.99 represents the combination and extension of the greatest yang number, and phonetically resembles “long-long-long” (forever), embodying the concept of “nine nines return to one.” The placement of the bronze cauldron carries the wish for Jieyang’s enduring peace and unity. Building a harmonious and beautiful society is the noble ideal of its leaders and the shared aspiration of its people. The cauldron holds this eternal and beautiful hope.