Huzhou Huánjīn Pavilion

Huzhou Huánjīn Pavilion

Huánjīn Pavilion is located between Hongqiao and Wangyue Bridges in the eastern section of Shuanglin Town. According to the 1917 (6th year of the Republic of China) *Shuanglin Town Annals*: “During the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1488–1505), Chen Liangmo from Anji built it as an act of charity for Yan Su’an. Travelers from the eastern part of the region passing through the county town would inevitably cross Hongqiao. At that time, those who were carrying white grain or postal silver often rested on their way back, accidentally leaving their money behind and departing. Yan Su’an (also known as Yiming), a local resident, came across the lost money in the morning, sat and waited for the owner, verified the claim, and returned the money.” Later, Chen Liangmo from Anji (who held the official title of Participating Minister) built the pavilion to commemorate the act. The *County Annals* state: “A man rested by a shrine and noticed someone had left a bag behind. Upon opening it, he found 200 taels of silver. He waited two nights, and the owner returned, explaining that his father had been imprisoned due to a shortfall in delivering silver for the government, and he had sold family property to cover the loss. The finder then returned the silver. The man offered to share half as a reward, but the finder refused. Later, the man’s father returned and had this pavilion built in gratitude.” The pavilion was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. It was reconstructed in the 22nd year of the Qianlong reign (1757) and the 20th year of the Guangxu reign (1894) of the Qing Dynasty. It was burned down by Japanese invaders during the War of Resistance Against Japan.

In 1982, Fei Xinwo, a renowned calligrapher from Shuanglin, funded its reconstruction. The pavilion is made of concrete, with upturned eaves, three open sides, and one walled side. The wall features an embedded stone stele inscribed with “Huánjīn Pavilion” (an inscription by Cai Mingcheng from the 20th year of the Guangxu reign, 1894), as well as a stone stele inscribed with “Reconstruction of Huánjīn Pavilion” written by Fei Xinwo.

Source: Huzhou Municipal People's Government