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Heguilou, also known as Shanjiaolou, is located in Pushan Village, Meilin Town, Nanjing County, 53 kilometers from Nanjing County. Built in the 10th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty, it was constructed by Jian Cipinggong at a total cost of 15,000 taels of silver. Covering 1,547 square meters, it is the tallest earth building in Nanjing. Constructed on swampy ground, it was constructed using over 200 pinewood piles and paving. Despite over 200 years of existence, it remains sturdy, stable, and well-preserved.
Hegui Tower is five stories high and 21.5 meters high. Don’t underestimate this number, it is a "world record", which means that Hegui Tower is the tallest of all known Fujian earth buildings, which is a wonder.
Hegui Tower has 28 rooms per floor, for a total of 140 rooms. A main entrance opens in the center, with stairways leading up and down from each of the four sides. It was built in 1732, the tenth year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty. Legend has it that when the site was chosen for construction, they failed to notice the marshy ground. After building one floor, the entire structure suddenly sank into the swampy ground like a shipwreck. Confused, the Jian clan, who built the building, drove over 100 cubic meters of piles into the sinking walls. Feeling the foundation was now secure, they began ramming the walls from the beginning, ultimately building a five-story square tower. They seemed confident, never worrying about the building tilting or sinking. Indeed, for over 200 years, Hegui Tower has remained impregnable, unshakable and stable, weathering storms like a mountain.
Now, if you use an iron wire to stick into the ground in the small courtyard of the middle school building, you can insert it more than 5 meters deep in one go. When you pull out the iron wire, you can see traces of silt on the wire. If you stomp your feet here, the entire pebbles in the courtyard will vibrate like ripples. This is the second wonder.
Hegui Tower is built on swampland with a subtropical monsoon humid climate. It used thousands of pine wood as its foundation. Due to the special properties of pine wood, Hegui Tower has survived several earthquakes and is suitable for travel in spring and autumn.
The third wonder of Hegui Tower is the two wells in the building, which are 18 meters apart. The water levels in both wells are above the ground. The well on the left is as clear as a mirror, with sweet water. Several red carps are swimming in the well like elves, while the well on the right is turbid and yellow, extremely filthy and completely undrinkable.
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Heguilou is a historical site in Zhangzhou, Fujian, known for its ancient architectural structures and its role in the region’s cultural heritage. The tower and surrounding areas have been used for both residential and strategic purposes over the centuries. It’s a representation of the region’s history, with cultural influences from both local and foreign settlers over time.
Heguilou is located in the city of Zhangzhou in Fujian province. You can take a taxi or a local bus from Zhangzhou city center to reach the site. If you're coming from major cities like Xiamen, there are direct bus services. Alternatively, walking from the city center is an option, though it may take longer depending on your exact starting point.
Heguilou is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild. Early mornings and late afternoons also offer a more peaceful experience, with fewer visitors.
The entrance fee for Heguilou is generally low, around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on-site, though it’s advisable to check for online options or discounts via local travel platforms before your visit.
Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary, but it can be helpful during peak seasons (e.g., national holidays). It’s recommended to book a few days ahead if you plan to visit during busy times.
To fully explore Heguilou, including the tower, gardens, and surrounding areas, you will need around 2-3 hours. If you wish to visit nearby attractions or relax in the surroundings, you may want to allocate half a day.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and audio guides in Mandarin are also offered. It’s recommended to check availability for English-speaking guides, which may be limited.
The top of the main tower offers the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside, making it an excellent spot for photography. The gardens also offer beautiful scenery, particularly during the blooming season.
Start by visiting the tower for a panoramic view, then explore the gardens for a peaceful walk. End your visit by checking out the museum or local exhibits to learn more about the history of the area.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows. However, the tower and gardens may offer a quiet, reflective atmosphere during the evening if the site remains open.
Heguilou can get crowded during weekends or holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays or during off-peak seasons like autumn or winter.
Basic facilities, including toilets and water stations, are available at Heguilou. There are also small rest areas to relax. While there aren’t large food outlets, some local vendors may be available for snacks.
The site is somewhat accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, but the tower may present challenges due to stairs. Children will enjoy the gardens and open spaces, making it suitable for family visits.
Cash is accepted, though mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are preferred and widely used for tickets and purchases.
There are a few local restaurants near Heguilou serving Fujianese cuisine. For a wider selection, Zhangzhou city center has many dining options ranging from traditional Chinese food to international cuisines.
Vegetarian food options are available in the local restaurants. Halal options might be limited, but there are some halal-friendly eateries in Zhangzhou city center.
There are several hotels in Zhangzhou city center, including mid-range and budget options. For more luxurious stays, you can find accommodations in the nearby Xiamen district.
Souvenir shops around the area sell local crafts, traditional tea sets, and Fujianese specialty snacks. Local calligraphy and traditional fabrics are also popular items.
Taxi services are readily available for onward journeys, or you can take a bus or metro from Zhangzhou. For longer trips, consider taking a high-speed train to nearby cities like Xiamen or Fuzhou.
