Wangjiang
Tower (Tower Overlooking the River) on the bank of
Jinjiang River in the eastern suburbs of Chengdu
stands 30 meters high. Uniquely designed, the upper
two stories of the tower are octagonal in shape
while the lower two, square. With red pillars, green
tiles and a gilded steeple ball on its pointed
octagonal roof, the tower looks extremely splendid.
In its surrounding areas are other ancient buildings
and stretches of bamboo.
The park is famous for its lush forests
of bamboo, and boasts over 150 varieties of bamboo
from China, Japan and South-East Asia. They range
from bonsai-sized potted plants to towering giants,
creating a shady retreat in the heat of summer (and
a cold, damp retreat in winter). The pavilion was
built to the memory of Xue Tao , a female Tang
Dynasty poet with a great love for bamboo. Nearby is
a well, said to be the place where she drew water to
dye her writing paper. |