Yuejiang Lou, Ming Dynasty observation tower in Nanjing, China
Yuejiang Lou is a seven-story tower on Lion Mountain overlooking the Yangtze River and central Nanjing. The structure draws inspiration from classical Chinese design and provides broad views of the surrounding area from its upper levels.
A 14th-century emperor planned the tower and wrote a text about it, but the original structure was never built at that time. The current building was completed in 2001 as a modern reinterpretation.
The name comes from classical literature and refers to observing the moon over the river. From the viewing platform, visitors can watch activity along the Yangtze and see Nanjing spread out below.
Stairs and elevators provide access through all levels, connecting different viewing areas within the tower. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and visitors should note that upper levels can be exposed to wind.
The tower was built in response to a literary work written by an emperor more than 600 years before its actual construction. This long delay makes it a rare realization of an ancient artistic vision in modern times.
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