Fangting Pavilion in Zhangwuli

Fangting Pavilion in Zhangwuli

Fangting Pavilion in Zhangwuli is a protected cultural heritage site of Suzhou.

Fangting Pavilion in Zhangwuli is located on the hillside of Xiaotingwu in Zhangwuli Village, Xishan. It is a pavilion that once stood along the funeral path of the wife of an official during the Qing Dynasty. The pavilion features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with small tiled covering, measures 5.55 meters in width and 6 meters in depth, and follows the traditional “inner three bays with front and rear open corridors” structural style. It stands on a bluestone base, with square granite corner pillars at each of its four corners. Between the eave purlin and the eave tie beam is a bracket set known as “one-dou-three-sheng.” A couplet is inscribed on the corner pillars on either side of the pavilion entrance: “Goodness taught through personal example in raising children, an auspicious beginning for future generations.” The inner plaque is missing, and a stone turtle carrying a stele lies discarded outside the pavilion. In front of the pavilion is a square reflecting pool, while behind it, only ruins remain of the ancient tomb it once served.