Zhenhuai Tower (Huaian)

The Zhenhuai Tower stands majestically in the center of Huaian District, Huaian City, Jiangsu Province. Towering and elegant, with an antique charm, it is one of the symbols of Huaian's ancient civilization. Zhenhuai Tower has a history of over 1,000 years, dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and spanning the Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Its exact construction date is unknown. It underwent renovations during the Northern Song Dynasty, and again during the Hongzhi and Jiajing periods of the Ming Dynasty, overseen by governors Chen Xian and Song Jixian, respectively. There is also a tower with the same name in Hexian, Anhui Province. Zhenhuai Tower is a single-structure, gate-tower-style building made of brick and wood. The lower level is a platform base with a gate in the center. The upper level is a two-story tower. The entire structure is 18.5m high, 36m long from east to west, and 26m wide from north to south. It is beautifully shaped, solid, and sturdy. During the Qing Dynasty, it was named Zhenhuai Tower, meaning "Tower to Suppress the Huai River," in hopes of controlling the river's flooding. Currently, Zhenhuai Tower houses the Old Huaian Museum exhibition hall, and a public park surrounds the tower. In 2002, Zhenhuai Tower was listed as a Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Today, Zhenhuai Tower serves as a symbol and the geographical center of Huaian District (formerly Huaian City) in Huaian City, Jiangsu Province. The entire district's regional planning and development revolve around the tower as its central axis. Zhenhuai Tower