Wusong Pavilion

Wusong Pavilion

Wusong Pavilion is a cultural relic protection unit of Shandong Province.

Also known as the Travelers’ Rest Pavilion, Wusong Pavilion is located north of Zhongtianmen (Mid-Heaven Gate). It gets its name from the five ancient pines (Wudafu Pines) standing in front of it. The pavilion lies close to Yunbu Bridge to the south and Chaoyang Cave to the north. Its original construction date is unknown, but it was rebuilt during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Originally consisting of three bays, it was expanded to five bays in 1956 and its roof was renovated again in 1978.

The pavilion is 16.1 meters wide, 6.05 meters deep, and 5.75 meters tall, built on a stone base made of four layers of flagstones, with the platform itself being 10.4 meters high. It features four pillars, a five-rafter system, seven purlins, and a front porch. The structure uses double beams, with square stone pillars at the eaves and round wooden pillars inside. It has a rolled shed and hip-and-gable roof. Each of the front and back façades has four latticed doors per bay. The ends of the pavilion also have one door each, fitted with four-paneled latticed doors. To the northeast of the pavilion stands a three-bay building, 8.65 meters wide, 5.14 meters deep, and 5.3 meters tall, featuring a three-pillar, five-purlin, five-rafter system with a front porch, double beams, a single ridge covered with flat tiles, and a flush gable roof. It has four latticed doors, with windows in the side bays.

According to Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), when Emperor Qin Shi Huang was on his way to be enfeoffed, the original trees were destroyed by thunderstorms. However, because they had protected his carriage, they were honored as “Wudafu” (Five Lords). Today, two of the trees remain, twisted yet ancient, vigorous and lush, and have since been praised as the “Graceful Pines of Qin,” listed as one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Tai’an. Nearby stands Wusong Pavilion and an imperial inscription by Emperor Qianlong titled “Ode to the Five Lords Pines.” On the mountainside nearby grows an ancient pine whose branches droop as if waving to greet visitors, hence its name “Wangren Song” (Pine That Greets People), also known as “Yingbin Song” (Welcoming Pine). To its northeast lies the newly inscribed Chaoyang Cave by Emperor Qianlong. Here, ancient pines layer upon layer, casting deep shade, while the rustling of pine and the murmur of springs create waves-like sounds, forming a spectacular scene.