Zhenhuai Building

The Zhenhuai Building stands at 2 Zhenhuai Road East in Huai'an District, in the old city of Huai'an, Jiangsu province, China. It is a multi-storey Ming-dynasty drum-and-bell tower originally built in the 14th century and rebuilt several times, and it has long served as the symbol of the old walled city. The name means roughly 'the tower that calms the Huai River', reflecting its traditional role as a symbolic guard against floods. The structure sits on a massive brick base with a vaulted gateway passing through it, and above it rise wooden storeys with upturned eaves, red pillars and carved details. Visitors climb through the building's floors, where displays explain the history of the tower and the city, and reach the upper level for views over the surrounding rooftops and lanes of old Huai'an. The tower also houses historical exhibits and old bells and drums. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and the admission is about 10 yuan, making it one of the least expensive historic sites in the city. The best photographs are taken from the square in front of the tower, where the full height is visible, and again after dark when the building is lit. Crowds are modest on weekdays and noticeably larger on weekends, when families and tour groups visit. The tower is located beside the Han Hou Shrine, and the Zhou Enlai Former Residence and the Government House are a short walk or ride away, so it is a good anchor for a half-day walk through the old town. Many bus lines stop nearby, making it easy to reach without a taxi. Signs are mostly in Chinese, but the architecture is self-explanatory.