Siwang Pavilion

Siwang Pavilion

Siwang Pavilion is a cultural relic protection unit of Yangzhou City.

Siwang Pavilion is located at the eastern end of Xianxue Street and the western side of Wenhe Road. Regarding its construction date, one theory suggests it was built during the Jiading era of the Southern Song Dynasty, while another claims it dates back to the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. The Wanli Jiangdu County Annals, quoting the Song-era Baoyou Annals, states: “Siwang Pavilion is located south of the state administration office. During the Jiading reign of Emperor Ningzong (1208–1224), Cui Yuzhi, who was specially appointed as a Bao Mo Pavilion officer, acting commissioner of Yangzhou affairs, and in charge of the Huaidong Pacification Commission, constructed it.” The Qianlong Jiangdu County Annals record that it was originally built in the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1559) and underwent renovations during the Kangxi and Yongzheng eras of the Qing Dynasty. Originally named Wenkui Tower and later known as Kuixing Pavilion, it was part of the Jiangdu County School. The pavilion is a brick-and-wood structure, octagonal in shape with three stories and a pyramidal tiled roof. The ground floor has arched gateways on all four sides that connect with the cross-shaped street, earning it the nickname “street-crossing pavilion.” The second and third floors are surrounded by simple yet elegant latticed windows and partitions. Climbing the stairs and pushing open the windows, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding urban landscape. Each floor of the pavilion features eight flying eaves, totaling 24 on the three levels, each adorned with a wind chime. When the wind blows, the chimes tinkle melodiously.

In February 1853, during the third year of the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Taiping Army captured Yangzhou. Generals Lin Fengxiang and Li Kaifang led their forces on a northern expedition, leaving Zeng Shichang to guard the city. Zeng “erected wooden structures atop Siwang Pavilion to observe the enemy beyond the walls,” hence the name “Siwang” (literally “look in all directions”) Pavilion. The so-called “erection of wood” refers to the addition of a wooden scaffold atop the pavilion’s top level, which served as a watchtower to monitor movements of the Qing army. In case of enemy activity, a horn would be blown from the pavilion as a signal, and during battles, drums would be beaten from the pavilion to boost morale. A popular folk rhyme goes: “Siwang Pavilion, three-tiered tower, scouts peered from its heights, when enemy horses neared, horns blew loud, scaring Qing troops to flee. Red-headed soldiers of Yangzhou made Qing soldiers dare not come near.” Siwang Pavilion is one of the revolutionary relics of modern Chinese history and was designated as a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit in 1962.

Siwang Pavilion is the premier attraction in the Xigang Park scenic area, situated on the park’s northern side. It not only complements the park’s trees and other scenic spots but can also be admired from afar when looking westward from within the city. Siwang Pavilion is a garden pavilion designed in the Qing Dynasty style. It covers an area of

80 square meters, with a height of 10

meters (including a 1-meter base),

and features an octagonal shape with a pyramidal roof and double-layered flying eaves. It is supported by

16 internal and external pillars. The beams and brackets are decorated with exquisitely carved and painted designs, while the red-and-green-painted columns present a magnificent and graceful appearance, creating a delightful atmosphere that captivates and lingers in the hearts of visitors.

Siwang Pavilion was built in 1927

under the supervision of then-county magistrate Lu Kezun, with renowned craftsmen such as “Yan Luban” among those involved in its construction. The pavilion boasts ingenious design and elegant form, embodying both southern Chinese garden aesthetics and serving as a model for pavilion architecture in Heilongjiang Province. It attracts many tourists from other regions every year.

Address: No. 9 Crab Alley, Siwangting Road, Guangling District, Yangzhou City

Type: Historical Architecture

Recommended Visit Duration: 30 minutes

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

Free admission. Exterior viewing only; no entry inside.

Further Reading:

· First to Third Batch of Municipal-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units in Yangzhou City