Mandarin Duck Pavilion

Mandarin Duck Pavilion

In the eastern part of Mipu Temple are two temples dedicated to Bao Gong and Hu Gong, both of which attract many worshippers. Both figures are historical personages: Bao Gong refers to Bao Zheng of the Song Dynasty, and Hu Gong refers to Hu Ze of the Song Dynasty. Because they were upright in office and advocated for the people, the locals were grateful and built temples in their honor. A flat, straight path in front of the temple leads directly south to the Mandarin Duck Pavilion. The Mandarin Duck Pavilion is ingeniously designed with two square pavilions, one corner of which is interconnected, symbolizing hearts joined as one and never to be separated.

A row of iron railings connected by chains has been erected on the rocky cliff in front of the pavilion. People love to come here to overlook the scenery below. Young couples in love especially enjoy buying a love lock, locking it onto the chains, and then throwing the key far down into the cliff to signify an unbreakable bond of love. Two poetic couplets are inscribed on the pillars of the Mandarin Duck Pavilion: “Two loving hearts united, a hundred years as one; a match made across a thousand miles by a single thread,” and “Twin peaks and bright moon bear witness; vows of eternal love locked in unity.”