Huai'an - Huai River Guardian Tower

(Local Name: Zhenhuai Lou) This two-storied 8m/26ft high wooden tower on a brick pedestal in the center of the city dates back in its present form to 1881. As the Huai River frequently broke its banks, causing high loss of life and extensive damage, the inhabitants gave the tower its name in the hope that by constantly keeping guard they could curb the river. It is also known as the Drum Tower (Gu Lou), after the building which previously stood here during the Song dynasty (960-1279) and which had to make way for the new building. There is a small museum inside the tower.