Wenchang Pavilion in Jing County

Wenchang Pavilion in Jing County

Wenchang Pavilion in Jing County is a cultural tourism attraction.

Wenchang Pavilion is located in Taohuatan Town, Jing County (historically known as Shuidong or Nanyang Town), on the eastern bank of Taohuatan. The entire terrain of Shuidong resembles the shape of Guan Yu’s guandao, with the river forming the blade, and Wenchang Pavilion situated just like a bright red tassel on the blade, shining brilliantly.

Wenchang Pavilion was jointly funded and constructed in the 32nd year of the Qianlong reign (1767) by the Zhai family of Shuidong, "with an expenditure of nearly a thousand taels of silver," and described as a "lofty pillar, standing majestically in all eight directions." It is said that according to Qing dynasty tradition, a clan had to produce twenty successful candidates in the imperial examinations before being allowed to build a Wenchang Pavilion. The Zhai family of Shuidong, a prominent clan in southern Anhui, was known for its scholarly achievements—"wherever you looked, fragrant plants flourished." In the early Qing dynasty, the Zhai family produced twenty-three successful examination candidates, earning approval from Emperor Qianlong to construct the pavilion. The base of the pavilion is ten feet high, while the three-story structure rises a total of seventy-three and a half feet; the surrounding perimeter measures 144 feet. The pavilion has an octagonal floor plan, with wind bells on each of the eight corners across all three levels. The top level features iron bells, while the lower two levels have copper bells. When the breeze blows, the chiming can be heard clearly up to ten miles away. The roof inclines more steeply with each ascending level, and the eight corners point skyward, with the roof tiles turned ninety degrees at the upturned eaves—creating an elegant and distinctive design rarely seen in southern Anhui. To the Zhai family, the construction of Wenchang Pavilion “not only served to enhance the landscape and attract refined energy but also bore significance for the clan’s scholarly fortunes,” symbolizing the prosperity and glory of the Zhai family at the time. Despite the high cost—“an expenditure of several thousand taels was necessary”—the family “spared no effort in encouraging contributions, regardless of public or private means, without disputing the amount.” Supporters of the project came forward in great numbers. After completion, Zhao Qinli, former Imperial Censor of the Shandong Circuit and Compiler at the Hanlin Academy, composed a record of its construction, and the local scholar Zhai Shiji wrote “A Narrative on the Creation of Wenchang Pavilion.” The central plaque on the first floor reads “Prosperous Times, Civilized Legacy”; above the screen on the second floor are the words “Literary Light Piercing the Heavens”; the third floor bears a vertical plaque reading “Together Ascend the Cloud Ladder,” along with a statue of the Wenchang deity. Above the shrine is a plaque inscribed “Soaring Directly to the Clouds.” These plaques commemorate the former glory and prestige of the Zhai family’s cultural heritage. Covering an area of over ten acres, the pavilion is surrounded by walls and includes garden paths, pine-covered mounds, bamboo groves, and a pond within its grounds. Behind the pavilion lies vast farmland. Zhao Qinli once wrote in a poem: “Four hundred ridges and myriad fields stretch as far as the eye can see.” From the pavilion, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of both distant mountains and nearby waters.

Having stood for over 230 years, Wenchang Pavilion has endured the passage of time yet retains its timeless charm. In the past, literati would visit in spring and autumn to compose poetry in the breeze and paint landscapes. Today, visitors can admire the fresh and picturesque rural scenery of southern Anhui, as well as appreciate the unique architectural style of this ancient structure. Wenchang Pavilion has now become a renowned scenic spot in the Taohuatan area, attracting a constant stream of domestic and international tourists.

Taohuatan Town: Taohuatan Town is a culturally rich ancient town with a history of a thousand years (a provincial-level protected site). It covers a total area of 86.03 km², borders the famous tourist destination of Huangshan Mountain to the south and the noted Buddhist site Jiuhua Mountain to the west. The town governs six administrative villages and one neighborhood committee, with a population of 13,122. The area has a subtropical climate with distinct seasons. The arable land spans 10,800 mu, producing mainly rice, rapeseed, beans, peanuts, sesame, and tea. Local specialties include yam and orchid tea, while aquatic products feature premium fish such as carp, salmon, silver carp, and snowflake carp. Mineral resources include coal, limestone, and quartzite. The abundant natural resources... More detailed information about Taohuatan Town ++