Shuiting Gate

Tianwang Tower at Shuiting Gate is the oldest tower in China. No other site represents Quzhou quite like the Shuiting Gate. The architectural complex has stood above the city for nearly 1,800 years and has become an enduring symbol of the ancient city in Zhejiang province. 

The gate tower of Shuiting Gate, Quzhou. [Photo/qz.gov.cn]

In many cities, locals rarely visit the tourist attractions, but Shuiting Gate attracts a healthy stream of visitors from Quzhou. Nearby are modern shopping malls, fancy restaurants and various ancient temples.

And there are three ancient streets and seven alleys seemingly untouched by time. The temples, houses, ancestral halls and gate towers are laid out in the same pattern as they were originally organized hundreds of years ago. Stepping into the place, one gets a sense of the city’s rich history.

A black-and-white photo of Shuiting Gate. [Photo/qz.gov.cn]

Following the tinkling sound of bells, visitors can find the nation’s oldest tower at Shuiting Gate –– Tianwang Tower. Dating back to the Nan Dynasty (420-589 BC), the tower is a solid brick structure, with most of its foundations still well preserved.

Tianwang Tower at Shuiting Gate is the oldest tower in China. [Photo/qz.gov.cn]

Address: 219 West Kecheng district, Quzhou, Zhejiang province

Tel: 0570-3082695