Chengxian Pavilion and Xie Gong Pavilion

Chengxian Pavilion and Xie Gong Pavilion

Chengxian Pavilion and Xie Gong Pavilion are cultural heritage sites protected by Wenzhou City.

Chengxian Pavilion and Xie Gong Pavilion are located at the western end of Jiangxin Islet in Lucheng District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province. On July 16 of the third year of the Yongchu era (422) during the Liu Song Dynasty, Prefect Xie Lingyun arrived in Yongjia Commandery. He often climbed up to Xie’s Tower on Gongchen Gate to gaze at the river and sky, and frequently visited the solitary islet in the river during his leisure time. Originally named "Shuilu Pavilion," Chengxian Pavilion was known as the "River Tower." It was first established in the first year of the Chongning era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1102) and rebuilt during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty. In the 19th year of the Wanli era (1591), when it was renovated, it was renamed "Chengxian Pavilion" in honor of Xie, inspired by his phrase “the water and sky share a pristine clarity.” The current structure is a late Qing Dynasty building, facing south with a width of three bays and two stories, featuring a flush gable roof. The central bay has a post-and-lintel beam frame, while the side bays use a mixed beam frame structure, spanning five bays and nine rafters. The walls are of brick with gray ridges, devoid of ridge ornaments, and covered with cylindrical tiles. The eaves are fitted with drip tiles. Nestled against the mountain and overlooking the stream, it lies to the west of an ancient pagoda and diagonally faces Xie Gong Pavilion, presenting a magnificent and breathtaking view. Xie Gong Pavilion is situated at the foot of the western hill on Jiangxin Islet. Legend has it that this was where Xie Lingyun viewed the sea, and later the “Xie Gong Pavilion” was constructed. During the Tang and Song dynasties, the pavilion was repeatedly built and destroyed. The current pavilion was rebuilt in 1952, featuring a hexagonal hip-and-gable roof with a pointed top. Located by the riverside, it offers spectacular scenery. It was listed among the first batch of cultural heritage protection units in Wenzhou City in 1981.

Protection Level: County (city/ district) level cultural heritage site

Period: Qing Dynasty

Date of Designation: June 11, 1981

Category: Ancient Architecture

Protected Area: Chengxian Pavilion: bounded by the outer wall base of the pavilion on the east and north, the back hillside of the small building on the west, and extending four meters forward on the south; Xie Gong Pavilion: bounded by a two-meter extension from all sides of the pavilion.

Building Control Zone: Bounded by the small path (from the ferry terminal on the west, through the bonsai garden, Little Flying Rainbow, nursery, to the pumping station of the sanatorium) on the west and north; the rest is bounded by the Ou River bank.