Mingcui Pavilion in Nanping

Mingcui Pavilion in Nanping

Mingcui Pavilion in Nanping is a cultural tourism attraction.

Located to the east of downtown Nanping, by the Jianxi River and clinging to Fengguan Rock. It was originally built during the Ming Dynasty as Guanyin Pavilion. The famous Song Dynasty poet Xin Qiji visited Yanping and left behind the long poem "Water Dragon Chant · Passing the Twin Creeks Tower of Nanjian," which references this pavilion on Fengguan Rock. In the 31st year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1692), the pavilion was expanded and renamed Mingcui Pavilion. It was destroyed during the Tongzhi era but soon rebuilt. During the Cultural Revolution, under the guise of eliminating the "Four Olds" and "opening a military road," the pavilion was torn down and the rock face leveled until no trace remained. It has now been reconstructed to its original appearance and a new "No. 1 Pavilion of Northern Fujian" has been added, covering an area of 40 hectares.

Perched atop a high cliff, Mingcui Pavilion overlooks the Min River, with its complex of buildings clinging tightly to the rocky precipice. Winding your way up, you’ll find “a pavilion every five steps, a tower every ten, corridors winding gracefully, and eaves jutting sharply.” The pavilions and towers showcase exquisite craftsmanship, while the painted corridors and stone pagodas are uniquely designed. Approaching from the roadside, climb the steps to enter the “Mingcui Scenic Area” gate. From there, take the serpentine bridge connected to the main hall, then head to the spiral pavilion, ascend to the viewing platform, pass through the corridor, and enter the octagonal tower. Standing on the cliff edge and leaning over the railing is dizzying. A winding stone path at the back of the mountain hugs the cliffs and climbs up to the highland between the hills, where a revered monk once attained nirvana — a solemn, serene spot surrounded by towering ancient trees, lush foliage, and birdsong, offering a peaceful retreat amid the bustling city. The Qing Dynasty poet Zhu Hong once wrote: “The ancient pavilion majestically stands east of the town, / A winding path leads through emerald hues profound. / All-around green mountains frame a painted scene, / While spring blossoms and autumn leaves glow bright between.” Many other poets throughout history have also composed verses about Mingcui Pavilion. It attracts numerous visitors for worship and sightseeing, including international guests and compatriots from Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the United States, Germany, as well as from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other regions.

The Buddhist observance here centers around the birthday of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with scripture recitations held from the folk-celebrated date of the 19th day of the sixth lunar month (Guanyin’s Enlightenment) to the 19th day of the ninth lunar month (Guanyin’s Renunciation). Celebrations are also held for the birthday of Shakyamuni Buddha. Eminent monks from renowned temples such as Drum Mountain, Snow Peak, and Nanyuan come to preach the Dharma, attracting thousands of worshippers in an unprecedented grand occasion.