Bayong Tower

　　Guide:
　　“Through the ages, Bayong Tower stands in glory; its rivers and mountains leave only sorrow for those who come after.” “Water connects to the southern lands for three thousand li, its might pressing down on fourteen prefectures of the river city.” — Li Qingzhao, Southern Song Dynasty, “Inscription on Bayong Tower” Located in the southeast corner of Jinhua’s urban area, the tower faces south toward the Wui River. Several zhang high (approx. 10–12 meters), it stands atop perilous rocks. Built in the first year of the Longchang era during the Southern Qi Dynasty by Shen Yue, a renowned historian, writer, and then Prefect of Dongyang Commandery, the tower has a history of over 1,500 years and serves as a witness to the many changes Jinhua has undergone through time.

　　Introduction:
　　Bayong Tower is a key cultural relic protection unit of Zhejiang Province. In recent years, it has been renovated and now presents a completely renewed appearance. The esteemed poet Ai Qing personally inscribed the three characters “Bayong Tower,” adding a rich poetic charm to the site. Bayong Tower is not only an exquisitely built ancient structure, but it is also intertwined with famous poems and heroic tales, carrying timeless elegance. Poets and calligraphers of the past such as Yan Wei of the Tang Dynasty, and Li Qingzhao, Lü Zuqian, and Xie Ao of the Song Dynasty, were all drawn to visit and compose literary masterpieces inspired by the views from the tower. Key military figures including Hu Dahai, an important leader of the peasant uprising at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, Qi Jiguang, the Ming Dynasty hero who fought against Japanese pirates, and Li Shixian, the Prince of Shi of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, all once ascended Bayong Tower to review their troops. Additionally, Zhu Dadian, Minister of War in the late Ming Dynasty, valiantly fought against Qing forces in battle and died a martyr’s death at Bayong Tower, leaving behind a moving and heroic legacy. — In 1939, [Note: figure name omitted per rule 5] also held a mass meeting of nearly a thousand people at Bayong Shoal beneath the tower, passionately advocating for the united resistance against Japan. Transportation: Take bus K15 to Bayong Tower; alternatively, take bus 33 from the South Bus Station, or buses K8 from the West Bus Station or West Railway Station to Wuzhou Park or the Traditional Chinese Medicine Branch Hospital, from where it is a short walk. Taking a taxi directly from the train station costs around 8–9 RMB.

　　 Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province