Perched on a rock overlooking the River Nanming, the Jiaxiu (First Scholar's) Tower is supported by 12 stone pillars and was built in 1598 during the Ming period to honour the laureates of the imperial examinations. The symbol of the town of Guiyang, it now houses a photography exhibition. The visit can be combined with that to the Garden of Emerald Subtlety, which once housed a literature academy and now showcases painting and calligraphy.