Many people have visited Longmenhao Old Street in Nanan District in Chongqing, but few know it has nine fascinating towers hidden in the time-honored street.
Drum Tower is located at the entrance of Longmenhao Old Street. The name came because it has a big drum inside the tower.
The tower is built of gray bricks, on which are inscribed three gold Chinese characters of "Long Men Hao." Besides, there also hang several red lanterns. All these create a festive atmosphere.
The entrance of the Drum Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Center)
As you walk down along a flight of stone steps, another tower will come into view. It inscribed four Chinese characters, "Guan Jiang Lan Yue," on the tower, meaning that you can view the river and enjoy the moon. In front of it is an observation platform that commands the Yangtze River. As night falls and urban lights come on, you will see a glistening river downward and enjoy lights-decorated river banks when looking up.
A stunning view of Guanjiang Lanyue Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
Jiangtianxing Tower is built around a corner of a flight of stone steps and enjoys a fantastic view like Guanjiang Lanyue Tower.
As you enter the tower, a heritage site brims with architectural art and beauty, building No 2 of the former military attache dormitory of the US Embassy will come into view. A unique cityscape featuring a river, bridge, and high buildings will strike the eye when you look out of the tower.
Because of the unique geographical location, there is a significant difference in light inside and outside the tower. So when you enter and exit, it seems as if you are in two different worlds.
The unique cityscape features a river, a bridge, and high buildings throughout the Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media
As you walk down along the stone steps, you will see a tower circled by jujube trees, Jinshanhong Tower. Every brick and tile is reminiscent of some bygone days.
Inside the arch hides a millennium-old gem, Jin Shan Hong. Made of fresh leaves from millennium-old tea trees in the national nature reserve Jinfo Moutain, it boasts a mellow and lingering taste. It is known as a representative intangible cultural heritage of Chongqing.
You will see a tearoom brimming with Chinese charm when you enter the tower. You can rest here and enjoy a cup of excellent tea made with tea leaves from millennium-old tea trees.
The Jinshanhong Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
As you reach the end of Longmen Street, Shi Ji Shu JuTower, or Shiji Bookstore Tower, will come into view. The moment you set foot in the wooden bookstore, you would feel that time slowed down despite the busy cableway outside the window.
You can choose a book you like, order something to drink, and take a window seat. Thus enjoying yourself and basking in the sunshine, you can watch the world go by and enjoy the present moment.
The Shiji Shuju Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
Fumen Tower, or Good Fortune Tower, also located at Longmen Street, is a semicircular stone archway. On the thick wall are inscribed the Chinese characters "Tian Xia Di Yi Fu (Luckiest in the World)," written by Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Passing Fumen Tower with your family or friends carries the auspicious meaning of luckiness, health, and success.
The Fumen Tower, or Good Fortune Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
As you continue from Fumen Tower, another tower where are inscribed the Chinese characters of "Long Men Hao Yue" will come into view. Notably, it was already famous in ancient times as one of the "Twelve Scenes of Ancient Bayu."
The Longmen Haoyue Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
As you progress, Wang Er Xiang Tower will come into sight. Black-brick walls and blue flagstone paths may look a little faceless, but the arch structure built of decorative red bricks will amaze you.
Blue flagstone, red bricks, and green bamboo lend a sense of unique and fascinating charm to the tower.
The Wangerxiang Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
Continue your way down along the stone steps, and you will arrive at the last tower—Liwai Xiangzi Tower. Liwai Xiangzi or Liwai Lanes consists of the outer lane and the interior lane.
The interior lane Lane is home to various exhibition halls to display many antique things that remind people of those fond memories about the city, reproducing the bygone Chongqing in miniature.
The exterior lane is characterized by diverse Chongqing snack shops. Every time you pass here, you will slow down in spite of yourself.
The Liwai Xiangzi Tower. (Photo/Nanan Media Convergence Media)
These nine towers at Longmenhao Old Street enjoy their history. Different doors will lead you to different views.
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