Zhenhuai Building

The Zhenhuai Building (镇淮楼), at 2 Zhenhuai Road East in Huai'an District, Huai'an, Jiangsu province, is a historic bell-and-drum tower that has stood at the heart of the old walled city for roughly seven centuries. Its origins are traditionally traced to the Yuan dynasty in the 14th century, and the structure was rebuilt and repaired several times through the Ming and Qing periods, when Huai'an prospered as a centre of Grand Canal administration, salt and grain transport. The name, which can be rendered as the tower that keeps the Huai River in check, reflects the city's long struggle with flooding and the symbolic hope that the building would calm the waters. Architecturally the building is a multi-storey tower of timber and brick rising from a massive brick base pierced by an arched passage, a design common to Chinese city bell and drum towers that once overlooked central crossroads. Upper floors carry tiled roofs with sweeping eaves, painted details and balconies that formerly held a bell and drum used to mark the hours and sound alarms. The tower was damaged in the 20th century and has been restored in recent decades, including work to reinforce the structure and renew its roofing and decoration. Interior exhibitions on the upper floors present the history of Huai'an, local customs and the story of the tower itself, and visitors can climb to a viewing level for a look across the rooftops of the old town. The building anchors a pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood and is close to the Huai'an Government House and the Han Hou Shrine, making it a natural starting point for a walking tour of the historic district. Admission is about ¥10 and hours are 07:30-18:30.