Kuai Pavilion

Kuai Pavilion

Kuai Pavilion is a cultural tourism attraction.

Kuai Pavilion is located in the southeast corner of Taihe Middle School campus in the county town. It was first built in the first year of the Qianfu era of the Tang Dynasty (874 AD), initially serving as a shrine to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and was named "Cishi Pavilion." In the early Song Dynasty, when Shen Zun, a doctoral official of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, served as the magistrate of Taihe County, he renamed it "Kuai Pavilion." During the Yuanfeng era, after Huang Tingjian, who was serving as the county magistrate, wrote the "Poem of Kuai Pavilion," it became widely renowned. The pavilion covers an area of 400 square meters, has a total height of 20 meters, and is constructed with brick and wood. It features three stories with upturned eaves and multi-layered roofs, surrounded by a 3-meter corridor. The main structure of the pavilion stands on 36 round wooden pillars, while the corridor is supported by 12 large red granite pillars. The eaves are adorned with colorful carvings, the beams are carved with flying dragons and dancing phoenixes. The floor is paved with blue bricks, the dome is decorated with intricate patterns, the top is covered with porcelain tiles, the corners are hung with bronze bells, the windows feature lattice designs, and the arched gates are made of bricks. Facing south, the gate bears a stone plaque inscribed with the characters “Kuai Pavilion,” written in Shen Zun’s own hand, and the stone pillars on both sides are engraved with a couplet. On the wall of the hall’s facade is embedded a stone carving of Huang Tingjian’s portrait, beneath which is his self-composed inscription: “Like a monk but with hair, like a layman but with worldly dust; dreaming within a dream, seeing a self beyond oneself.” On either side of the screen wall are a stone stele inscribed with Lu You’s calligraphy reading “Poetry Mirror” and another with Huang Tingjian’s calligraphy of the “Imperial Admonitory Inscription.” When Huang Tingjian served as the county magistrate of Taihe, he excerpted a warning from Emperor Taizong of Song: “Your salary and stipend come from the fat and blood of the people; the common folk may be easily oppressed, but Heaven cannot be deceived.” This reflects Magistrate Huang’s integrity and noble character in governing the county. Beneath the pavilion lies Fu Garden (also known as Huang Tingjian’s alias, Fu Weng), where there is an octagonal pavilion. Winding paths lead through secluded spots, with small bridges over flowing water and fragrant flowers and trees. To the north are the Meng’ou Pavilion and the Valley Scholar Shrine, with the main hall situated behind them. As time passed and the world changed, this famous ancient structure was repeatedly built and destroyed over the past thousand years. Historical records indicate that it was destroyed by floods in the 16th year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1588) and restored in the 19th year; it underwent public repairs in the 18th year of the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty (1813) and was rebuilt in the 4th year of the Daoguang era (1824) with funding donated by Zeng Mincai, a local resident; it was again destroyed by war in the 3rd year of the Xianfeng era (1853) and rebuilt in the 5th year; the Kuai Pavilion we see today was reconstructed in 1986 with state funding and donations from the county’s residents, replicating the original design. The new pavilion was built on the original foundation, covering an area of over 400 square meters—more than 40 square meters larger than the original—and standing 24.7 meters tall, 4.7 meters higher than the original. It features a reinforced concrete structure, also three stories high, with 24 large red pillars supporting each level, surrounded by corridors, giving it a particularly solemn and dignified appearance. The dome features intricately interlocking rafters, and the beams are decorated with exquisite patterns. The gable walls are carved with colorful dragons, blending simplicity with elegance. Three tiers of upturned eaves jut out into the air, their pointed corners resembling a flock of geese spreading their wings. The rooftop is crowned with a precious finial, and the glazed green tiles covering it shimmer brilliantly under the blue sky and white clouds. The entire new pavilion presents a completely renewed look, more majestic and magnificent than the original.

Kuai Pavilion is one of the symbols of Taihe’s ancient culture. Over the generations, notable figures have visited Kuai Pavilion, leaving behind not only numerous immortal works but also many beautiful stories and touching legends, forming a distinctive Kuai Pavilion culture that has become an important part of Taihe’s splendid ancient heritage. Since the Song Dynasty, Taihe has produced many talented individuals and flourished culturally, which is inseparable from the rise of Kuai Pavilion culture. Since its founding in 1925, Taihe Middle School has used Kuai Pavilion as one of its school buildings. Perhaps benefiting from the profound influence of Kuai Pavilion culture, since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, batches of students have gone on from here to higher and secondary education institutions and to all parts of the country, making achievements on various fronts and leading in their fields. Taihe Middle School has thus gained fame throughout the province.

"With Kuai Pavilion restored, the scenery regains its grandeur." This ancient cultural pearl on the banks of the Gan River has shone brightly throughout the long course of history. In this new historical era, the historical potential it embodies will make it shine even more brilliantly.

Chengjiang Town: “Fallen leaves drift from thousands of mountains, the sky looks vast; a stretch of clear river reflects the bright moon.” This is an impromptu poem written by the famous Song Dynasty poet Huang Tingjian when he served as the magistrate of Taihe and climbed Kuai Pavilion. Chengjiang Town is the seat of Taihe County government. Formerly known as Xichang City, it was renamed Chengjiang Town after the Chengjiang River flowed through the area, and it serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Taihe. With green mountains and clear waters, egrets fluttering gracefully, this ancient town at the foot of Jinggang Mountain brings you into a pastoral and magical world. Chengjiang Town awaits your visit with the most favorable policies.

Currently, after the consolidation of villages, Chengjiang Town administers a total of 18 administrative villages and 22... Chengjiang Town detailed information++