Shanhu Pavilion

Shanhu Pavilion

Built in the Xinhai year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty (1551), this pavilion was funded by local resident Xu Yanbao, who intended it as an act of kindness—hence its name, “Shanhu,” meaning “to transform for goodness.” The pavilion features stone pillars, a wooden frame, grey-glazed tiles, a hip-and-gable roof, upturned eaves, and dragon-shaped ornaments on both the main ridge and the raised corners. Its square layout is accentuated by notably outward-leaning stone columns.

The intercolumnar bracket sets are of the “one-dou-three-sheng” type, while the column capitals use the “doukoutiao” style, projecting the eaves. Inscribed on the ridge beam are the original founding characters: “In the spring of the Xinhai year of the Jiajing reign, Xu Yanbao of Xu Village, together with his wife Lady Song, joyfully donated this stone-paved path and rain shelter to facilitate the coming and going of travelers, bringing blessings to all.” The two sets of three-rafter beams are inscribed with couplets: “The radiant spring has feet, arriving from the highest heavens above; virtuous deeds have no roots but are sown in the smallest corner of the heart,” and “For journeys that never end, pause a while and walk with ease; for anxieties that cannot be hurried, take a moment to set them aside.”

The interior of the pavilion is paved with granite stones, and long granite benches are placed along the sides for travelers to rest. Despite centuries of weathering, the pavilion still stands firmly, retaining the distinctive charm of Huizhou’s ancient architecture.