Xiaoyao Tower - pagoda located in Guilin City along the banks of the Li River
Last Update: 2nd October 2020
With an area of 630 square meters, Xiaoyao Tower was opened to the public in February 2016. It standing close to the site of the original one, the related historical records say the original one was built in 621. It was located on the city wall of the sub-city of the Old Guilin Town. In history, many tourists to Guilin usually visited the tower to enjoy the panoramic views of the old city. Through more than 1,000 years, the original one had been renovated and rebuilt for several times. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in the Anti-Japanese War (1937 – 1945).
Xiaoyao Tower Fast Facts
- Chinese Name: Xiaoyaolou (逍遥楼)
- Area: 630 x square kilometers
- Things to do there: Photography, Nature, History and Culture
- Who visits: Photographers, Architects, History and Culture Lovers
- Time required: 30 x minutes
Interested in visiting Xiaoyao Tower during a Guilin Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Xiaoyao Tower, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
What to expect at Xiaoyao Tower
Xiaoyao Tower stands by the Li River. Situated on a 1.5-meters-tall base, the existing one is 23.6 meters tall. Featuring the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) style, it is a 2-storey loft-like structure with 3 eaves. The Chinese characters on the wall of the base introduces the history and the reconstruction of the tower.
Visitors can find some calligraphy works and reliefs in the tower. On the second floor, the wooden models of the tower in the Tang, Song (960 – 1279), Yuan (1271 – 1368), Ming (368 – 1644), and Qing (1644 – 1912) Dynasties. Through the models, you’ll be able to see the different styles in the different periods of time. The Scripture Library in the tower is closed to the public.
Tourists can be able to enjoy the Li River, Zizhou Park, Diecai Hill and the karst hills behind houses in the distance at the viewing corridors on the second floor. At night, the golden lights add more charm to Xiaoyao Tower. You could appreciate the panoramic stunning views of the tower on the Liberation Bridge at night. Also, you could admire the amazing views along the Li River and the breathtaking views near the Elephant Trunk Hill from the tower at night.
Best time to visit Xiaoyao Tower
If you’d like to visit the hill for photography purposes, the best time to visit is during the sunset.
The best months to visit are from April to October.
How to get to Xiaoyao Tower
There is no direct bus to the tower. But you could take Bus 10, 11, 30, 24, and Bus 14 to the Stop of Liberation Bridge and then walk to the tower. The stop is just within 5 minutes walk from the tower. Alternatively, you could rent a vehicle to the tower.
Additional Xiaoyao Tower Travel Advice
- Opening hours: 08:30 – 21:00
- As at 2nd October 2020, tourists can visit the tower for free.
Interested in visiting Xiaoyao Tower during a Guilin Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours including Xiaoyao Tower, among other attractions and destinations. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.