JANVI TOURS

Located in Yuexiu Park, The Zhenhai Tower (鎮海樓, Tower controlling the sea) has the fame of the First tower in the South China with its cardinal red outside. The tower is a 5-storey building and is also known as the "5 -storey Tower" by the local. The Tower was built in 1380 by the Marquis Zhu Liangzhu. In 1956, the Zhenhai tower was reconstructed to the Guangzhou Museum.

The Zhenhai Tower is the most consummate-protected ancient building and inherits most characteristic Chinese style characteristics in Guangzhou Province. The whole building is 28 meters in height and 31 meter in width. The unique 5 storey tower was guarded by two martial lion sculptures which were sculpted in the Ming dynasty. The first and second storey of the tower was built with red grit stone, while the rest storey were built with red bricks.

Each of the 5 stories of the tower has exhibitions relating to the history of Guangzhou from prehistoric times to the present. The 3rd and 4th floors have some interesting exhibitions relating to Guangzhou's role as a trading center both before and after the Opium Wars (1839-1862). The top floor of the tower has a cafe and a selection of shops selling traditional gifts and souvenirs.

On the first floor visitors find a model and a map of Guangzhou through the city's 2,000-year history. Relics from ancient dynasties are presented on the second to the forth floors. Items from contemporary China are on display on the fifth floor. Visitors here can explore interesting cultural exhibits such as clothing and ceremonial items dedicated to marriage. From the top floor, visitors can enjoy a bird's eye over the flower city.

In front of Zhenhai Tower are exhibited all canons, one of Guangzhou's first public buses and other items of general interest. Temporary exhibitions are also held in the exhibiting halls of the museum.

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