Huaiyuan Tower, constructed between 1905 and 1909, is a well-preserved double-ring circular earth building known for its exquisite architectural craftsmanship. Standing at four stories high with a height of 13 meters and a diameter of 38 meters, the tower comprises 34 rooms per floor, totaling 136 rooms, built by the Jian family.
What draws attention to Huaiyuan Tower is the ancestral hall, located at the core of the inner courtyard, which also serves as the study area for the family’s children, named ‘Si Shi Shi’. ‘Si Shi Shi’ is delicate and elegant, with a construction area of 190 square meters, featuring carved beams and painted rafters, exuding a simple and natural charm with a strong scholarly atmosphere.
As a double-ring structure, Huaiyuan Tower was designed by the same architect who designed Zhencheng Tower, and its layout is quite symmetrical. Inside the tower, there is a golden plaque gifted by He Yingqin that reads ‘Assist My Righteous Army’. In front of the tower, on the flat ground, there is a Tai Chi pattern made with pebbles.
The tower and the village are surrounded by paddy fields and tea mountains, presenting a tranquil pastoral scene. The foundation of Huaiyuan Tower is built with large pebbles and a mixture of three types of soil, reaching over 3 meters in height, with walls that remain smooth and unpeeled to this day. Standing by the outer wall and looking up against it, one can observe that the tower’s base narrows at the bottom, widens in the middle, and gradually narrows again at the top, resembling an olive shape. This structure is in accordance with mechanics, capable of withstanding wind and making the tower more robust.
The tower is open all year round from 08:00 to 18:00.
Huaiyuan Tower
Huaiyuan Tower, constructed between 1905 and 1909, is a well-preserved double-ring circular earth bu[...]
