Luogudong Stone Pavilion

Luogudong Stone Pavilion

The Luogudong Stone Pavilion is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

The Luogudong Stone Pavilion was built in 1857 during the Qing Dynasty. The "Record of the Reconstruction of Luogudong Stone Pavilion" states: The Luogudong Stone Pavilion leans against the beautiful Xiu Ridge and is situated beside the Qingyuan Stream. Due to the rapid flow of the stream, which roars loudly, resembling the symphonic sound of gongs and drums, it is thus called the Luogudong Stone Pavilion. It was first constructed in the seventh year of the Xianfeng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1857 AD). According to the "Record of the He'gu Ravine Stone Pavilion," this pavilion was funded and built collectively by local villagers surnamed Ge. It features eight internal and external heart pillars, surrounded by covered eaves, with corners shaped like carved jade. All parts were constructed from stone, without any earth or wood. The pavilion is two zhang high, seventeen chi long, and thirteen chi wide. Originally, there was a stone flower vase on top of the pavilion, and on the vase sat a stone bird, with its head facing Pingyuan and its tail pointing toward Luoxi. Some interpreted this as “eating from Pingyuan, enriching Luoxi.” In 1951, the stone bird was destroyed by gunshot. Around 1990, it suffered damage twice more from relic thieves. In December 2006, the Party Committee and government of Luoxi Township regarded it as a cultural relic worthy of protection and, in order to develop tourism, allocated over 6,000 yuan for its renovation, giving the Luogudong Pavilion a renewed appearance.

History has faded, and the ancestors have passed away, but this structure, built entirely without using a single bit of soil or wood—all constructed from whole stone slabs—is the crystallization of the wisdom of our forebears and a valuable heritage left to future generations.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Jiangxi Province