The ancient city walls of Zhaoqing, located in Guangdong Province, have stood the test of time for nearly a millennium. First constructed during the Northern Song Dynasty, these formidable walls have witnessed the rise and fall of the city's fortunes and the rich development of Lingnan culture.
Stretching over 2.8 kilometers, the walls served as the seat of the governor-general's office of Guangdong and Guangxi during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Over the centuries, countless renovations and expansions have shaped the current structure, primarily composed of brick, while other elements feature clay, stone, and wood.
One of the most striking features of the walls is the Piyun Tower, aptly named “wearing the cloud” in Chinese. This tower reaches the highest point of the city walls, offering breathtaking views that attract visitors who come to photograph the golden hues of sunrise and sunset casting a glow over its roof.
Today, Zhaoqing's city walls are not only a symbol of the city's enduring legacy but also a popular destination for travelers and history enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in the region's cultural heritage.
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Ancient city walls witness ebb and flow of Zhaoqing over centuries
cgtn.com