Cihui Pavilion

Cihui Pavilion

Cihui Pavilion is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Anhui Province.

Originally known as Zhusha An, Cihui Pavilion was once Fahai Temple. During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty (1522–1566), the Taoist priest Xuanyang resided here and inscribed the plaque “Buyun Ting” (Cloud-Treading Pavilion). In the 34th year of the Wanli reign (1606), the monk Pumen came and converted it into Fahai Chan Monastery. Emperor Shenzong bestowed the title “Huguo Cihui Temple” (State-Protecting Cihui Temple), and the Empress Dowager granted Buddhist scriptures, statues, kasayas, alms bowls, and other items, ushering in a period of great prosperity. It was once the foremost Buddhist monastery in both Huizhou and Xuancheng prefectures. Jianjiang (Hongren), the founder of the Xin’an painting school, and Shi Tao, a master of traditional Chinese painting, both once resided here. The temple was later destroyed. Some of the original buildings still remain and were repurposed into a guesthouse after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Nearby lies Hensha Ridge, atop which stands Miaozhi Pavilion. Beyond Sand Ridge is Limating, from where one can see the large cliff inscriptions on Limafeng: “Ride at once into the East Sea’s void, ascend high to view peace below.” The present-day Cihui Pavilion has been converted into the Huangshan Museum.