Huagu Tower

　　   Yanzhai Huagu Tower is the only remaining Dong-style drum tower in Chengbu, built in the 23rd year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1818 AD). Though not tall, it is exquisitely delicate. The base measures 1 zhang 4 chi (approximately 4.6 meters) square, with the lower level of the tower standing 7 chi (approximately 2.3 meters) high and the upper level 1 zhang 2 chi (approximately 3.9 meters) high. Six sturdy fir pillars arranged in two rows form the square body of the tower; the foundation is made of brick and stone, while the main structure is wooden. The floor is constructed from durable and wear-resistant chestnut wood planks, and the roof is covered with thick, hard blue tiles. The ridge ends are adorned with symmetrical upward-curving corners. Inside the tower, four sides are fitted with fixed benches that are 1 chi 4 cun (approximately 46 cm) high and 8 cun (approximately 26 cm) wide. Behind the benches are well-proportioned, sturdy drum-shaped railings; together, the benches and railings form comfortable wooden backrests for people to sit and relax. The lower part of the drum-shaped railings on each side is inlaid with full-size “wan” (swastika) lattice patterns, featuring both square and circular shapes arranged evenly. Below the central plaque of the tower, the “Two Dragons Chasing a Pearl” design is intricately carved. Beneath the dragon tails are a pair of great mythical fish leaping upwards. The dragon tails and the fish are integrated with the plaque’s supporting pillars, forming the main corner motifs where the plaque meets the pillars. The overall design gives the tower a majestic and splendid appearance.

　　   In addition to the exquisite architectural craftsmanship, the plaques and couplets adorning the tower add to its charm. Yanzhai Drum Tower features three tower plaques and one tower sign: the entrance plaque reads “Lofty Pavilion Touching the Clouds,” the main plaque bears the inscription “Elegant in Scale, Majestic in Presence,” and the rear plaque states “Stars Within Reach.” The tower sign lists the names of the leading builders, craftsmen, and donating locals. Each pair of pillars is engraved with elegant running-cursive style couplets, which are profound in meaning and rich in character. One of the entrance couplets reads: “The land is so fine that people vie to come; the tower is so high that the moon arrives early,” with the horizontal inscription reading “A Place to Gather in Leisure.”