Yanyu Pavilion

Yanyu Pavilion

Wuhu is known as "half city of mountains and half city of water," boasting pleasant scenery, a fine living environment, and an urban green coverage rate of 32.5%. Attractions in downtown Wuhu such as Guangji Temple (also known as Little Jiuhua), Zheshan Scenic Area, Jinghu Scenic Area, Juzi Square, Central Road Pedestrian Street, as well as Taoxin in Wuhu County, Ma'enshan in Fanchang County, and Xishan Scenic Area in Nanling County are all great destinations for sightseeing.

The most recently memorable destination is Yanyu Pavilion, also known as the "No. 1 Celebrity Library of Anhui." It is located within the Jinghu Scenic Area in downtown Wuhu, surrounded by weeping willows and red-brick buildings, offering a tranquil and beautiful environment. Legend has it that this was the reading place of Zhang Xiaoxiang, a Song Dynasty poet. The pavilion houses exhibition rooms for the book collections of notable Chinese cultural figures such as A Ying, Wang Ying, and Hong Rong. A Ying (1900–1977), a native of Wuhu, Anhui, was a renowned modern writer, dramatist, and bibliophile. He was one of the initiators of the League of Left-Wing Writers and once edited the magazine *Cangmang*. The A Ying Library currently displays over 12,930 volumes of his collection, including 8,000 ancient thread-bound books, as well as more than 100 precious photos and artifacts from his lifetime. Wang Ying (1913–1974), also from Wuhu, Anhui, was a celebrated progressive stage and film actress, hailed as the “pure star.” The library preserves photos from films she starred in, such as *The Cry of Women*, *Sai Jinhua*—the first national defense drama written by Xia Yan—and *Goddess of Freedom*. It also houses over 300 items, including the English manuscript *Bao Gu* written by Wang Ying during her study trip to the United States in 1942, as well as her stage costumes and personal belongings. The "No. 1 Celebrity Library of Anhui" contains a wealth of valuable historical documents that hold significant educational, research, and appreciation value. It is also an important site for current red tourism education. Through these authentic historical photos, books, and objects, visitors not only gain a deep respect for the revolutionary spirit, innovative drive, and dedication of China’s historical cultural figures, but are also inspired to cherish, love, and strive for a better life in today’s society.

Yanyu Pavilion is a wonderful destination rich in cultural heritage and an excellent place for patriotic education. It is well worth visiting again and again—each time leaves you wanting to return.