Kuaizai Pavilion

Kuaizai Pavilion

Kuaizai Pavilion is located within Kuaizai Pavilion Park on Jiefang Road in Xuzhou. The Tongzhi Edition of the Xuzhou Prefecture Annals records: "Southeast of the city. Historical records say that in the late Xining era of the Song Dynasty, Li Bangzhi, while stationed in Xuzhou as an imperial envoy, built it on the former site of the Tang Dynasty’s Yangchun Pavilion. The local prefect Su Shi named it Kuaizai, and later it became the Kuilou Tower, commonly known as the Corner Tower." Since its renovation in the tenth year of the Xining era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1017) by Li Bangzhi, who was then the Imperial Envoy overseeing the Eastern Capital and stationed in Xuzhou, and who reconstructed it on the site of the Tang Dynasty’s Yangchun Pavilion, the pavilion has undergone several cycles of rise and decline. In the eleventh year of the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1872), Wu Shixiong, the regional administrator of Xu-Hai, rebuilt it. In the fifteenth year of the Guangxu era (1889), Prefect Gui Zhongxing further expanded it. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the government allocated funds for multiple renovations. However, it suffered severe damage during the ten-year Cultural Revolution. In 1989, funds were again allocated to rebuild it on the original site. It reopened to the public alongside the newly renovated Kuaizai Pavilion Park on the 40th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic.

The rebuilt Kuaizai Pavilion faces south and is an independent courtyard situated five meters above ground level at the southeastern corner of Kuaizai Pavilion Park. Climbing up over twenty steps and passing through the jujube-red gate, you enter the tranquil little courtyard of Kuaizai Pavilion. The main structure of the pavilion stands in the center, surrounded by classic open corridors, creating a distinct layered effect. Within the courtyard, auxiliary rooms, flower stands, Taihu rocks, and various plants are arranged in an artfully staggered layout. Outside the courtyard gate, the stone path and small bridge under the steps lead directly to the classical-style building Xiaoyao Hall across from it. On both sides of the small bridge lie expansive lotus ponds where pavilions, waterside shelters, and winding bridges connect. In spring and summer, the lotuses bloom exquisitely, filling the air with fragrance. Covering an area of over seventy acres, Kuaizai Pavilion Park has become a serene and picturesque spot in the midst of the bustling city.

The name Kuaizai comes from Su Shi’s literary work “Ode to This Delightful Breeze.” In the tenth year of the Xining era of the Song Dynasty (1077), after Su Shi was appointed as the Prefect of Xuzhou, he often invited friends here to escape the summer heat. One day, after ascending the city wall and entering the newly renovated pavilion, Li Bangzhi asked him to give it a name. Su Shi took up his brush and composed an ode: “The joy of the virtuous lies in this delightful breeze. Though not shared by the common folk, it is enjoyed together with esteemed guests. Gently it arrives, calming the morals of petty men; swiftly it descends, does it not also embody the might of kings? Like when it retreats above the ancient capital, or when clouds fly over the banks of the Sishui River. Over the desolate southern suburbs, it roars mightily; along the eastern seas, it dances with vigor in all directions. Thus, it mocks the limited shade sought by people of Jin, and laughs at the lowly elevation sought by those of Jade Stream. Wild winds rejoice, chasing feathers across the boundless skies; the divine dragon moves, forming antler-like patterns in jagged forms.” From then on, the Yangchun Pavilion was renamed Kuaizai Pavilion. In the past, Kuaizai Pavilion was built at the corner of the ancient city wall and was also called the Kuilou Tower, one of the Five Towers of ancient Xuzhou, alongside the Pengzu Tower, Bawang Tower, Huang Tower, and Yanzi Tower, all located around the old city. The Kuilou Tower was dedicated to Kui Xing, a deity revered by scholars. In ancient times, there was a grand temple fair held here on the sixteenth day of the fifth lunar month, attracting many worshippers. Because the tower was located southeast of the ancient city, it was also known as the Corner Tower. The ancient city walls of Xuzhou were historically renowned but were demolished in 1928 by the garrison troops of the time, who dismantled the bricks to sell for money. Today, the city wall beneath Kuaizai Pavilion has been restored, and visitors can gaze out from the pavilion to take in views of both the ancient and modern cityscapes, making it a cherished historical and scenic spot. The Northern Song poet Chen Shidao wrote in his poem “Climbing Kuaizai Pavilion”: The city bends with the clear river’s flow, / Springs meander through scattered stones below. / Sunset begins to sink behind the land, / While evening mist already clings to mountain strand. / Migrating birds know not which way to go, / While racing clouds drift on, carefree and slow.