Wanning Qingyun Tower

　　Locally, it is also called the "Shanwei Ridge" or the "Wanzhou Tower." The Qingyun Tower is octagonal in shape, constructed with fired bricks and miscellaneous stones. It is about 27 meters high and divided into seven tiers and seven eaves. At the center of the topmost tier, there protrudes an octagonal column, topped with a spherical finial. The inner wall of the base level is octagonal, while those of the upper six levels are round. Each level features two arched gateways opening in different directions—one for viewing and the other for ventilation and lighting. On the western side of the base, there is a door, and above the doorway on the tower wall is embedded a rectangular stone stele inscribed with the characters "Qing Yun" (Azure Clouds). Nearby, smaller characters read "Built in the Renchen Year of the Daoguang Reign" (1832). The third level of the tower faces the same direction as the base-level gate. Another stele of the same size is embedded here, inscribed with the characters "Jia Feng" (Summit Peak), with smaller accompanying characters that are too high up to be clearly read. The interior of the tower is hollow, allowing ample sunlight and cool breezes to pass through.

　　Visitors can enter through the western gate at the base and look up at the tower top, taking in the full view of the tower's interior and appreciating the ancient construction techniques and captivating scenery. Qingyun Tower is one of the rare ancient towers still standing in Hainan. It was built in the Renchen Year of the Daoguang Reign of the Qing Dynasty (1832). According to the "Wanzhou Annals," the predecessor of Qingyun Tower was the Wenkui Tower, which was initially constructed in the fifth year of the Kangxi Reign (1666) of the Qing Dynasty. After being destroyed, it was rebuilt in the Renchen Year of the Daoguang Reign and renamed Qingyun Tower due to its towering and majestic appearance. Qingyun Tower is grand, elegant, and sturdy, fully showcasing the unique brick-and-stone architectural artistry of Wanning’s ancient people. For over 150 years, although the ancient tower has endured numerous typhoons and thunderstorms, its structure remains intact and stands firmly as ever.

　　During Japan’s occupation of Hainan, the tower was bombarded with heavy artillery but was never destroyed—only the southern corner sustained significant damage. After Hainan became a province, the damaged area was repaired. Qingyun Tower is one of the famous scenic spots in Wanning and has now been included in Hainan’s renewed list of protected cultural relics. The ancient tower has its own unique charm. Surrounded by oddly shaped rocks in countless forms and vibrant flowers and plants, it teems with bees and butterflies fluttering among the blossoms and leaves. Beneath the tower flows a stream, resembling a silvery ribbon winding around it—creating a scene of ethereal beauty.