Wen Tower illuminated, Guangzhou, China, November 2018
Lychee Bay is a relaxed and scenic area for a wander, at night or during the day. The area was first built as a summer resort in the Han Dynasty, with lychee trees planted as part of the design, hence the name. By the time of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was ranked as one of the top scenic areas of Guangzhou.
The Wen Tower, featured here, was probably built during the Ming Dynasty (though some reports say Qing, due to its architectural style).
The glory period of the Bay continued through the Qing Dynasty, but the area declined in the early twentieth century, with pollution and overcrowding taking its toll. The several waterways were gradually covered one by one, and the bay was completely gone by 1992.
However, in 1999, the government of Liwan District, the local area, declared its plans to rebuild the waterways. In 2010, the work was complete, with new water being drawn in from Liwan Lake, and the area is back for us to enjoy.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 18 December 2018
Posted as part of Thursday Special: aquamarine
Travel with Intent 
So cool, Debbie 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The stuff of dreams, Debs 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The city was huge and I struggled to like it. There were many run-down areas, I felt a lack of care for their history, and I hated having to haggle over fares with all the taxi drivers who refused to switch on their meters. But then I found this area, which is next to a huge park full of welcoming people, and close to the old street where I found wonderful doors! This area won me over 🙂
LikeLike
I can see why 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Beautiful!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
what a stunning shot
LikeLike