Yongzhou Wenchang Pavilion

Yongzhou Wenchang Pavilion

Yongzhou Wenchang Pavilion is a cultural tourism attraction.

Wenchang Pavilion is located on a cliff on the west bank of the Xiang River in Lengshuitan District. It was built in the 11th year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty. The original complex included the God of Wealth Hall, Wenchang Hall, Guanyin Hall, and Dongbin Tower, covering a total area of 500 square meters. Today, only the Guanyin Hall remains; the other structures were destroyed at an unknown time. According to the *Lingling County Annals*, in front of Wenchang Pavilion there was a brick memorial archway with the three characters “Wenchang Pavilion” inscribed on it. In front of the archway were five stone steps, flanked by carvings of cloud-dragon reliefs. The God of Wealth Hall housed a large statue of the God of Wealth, Zhao Gongming, riding a tiger—his right hand gripping a golden whip and his left holding a gold ingot, presenting a majestic and powerful image. On the second floor of Wenchang Pavilion was a statue of the Wenchang Emperor, with a circular roof painted with a Taiji (yin-yang) design. In front of the deity’s statue stood Kuí, the God of Literature, holding a brush and pointing at the “Star of Literature.” At the center of the offering table was an inscribed plaque that read: “The Divine Seat of Confucius, the Greatest Sage and Teacher.” On either side of the shrine were a pair of couplets: “For seventeen generations of scholars and officials, as teacher to emperors for countless millennia.” Walking along the left corridor of Wenchang Pavilion leads to the Guanyin Hall, which features a plaque inscribed with the four characters “A Heart Full of Compassion.” Inside the hall is a wooden statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with couplets on both sides reading: “Good children are sent to families that accumulate virtue; divine manifestations fly here from Mount Potalaka.” Behind the Guanyin Hall lies Dongbin Tower. The lower level of the tower is supported by wooden pillars, and in front of it hangs a plaque inscribed with the poetic line “With a single boatman’s cry, the mountains and waters turn green.” Climbing the pavilion gives one a sensation of soaring above the ground, while looking up evokes the feeling of almost touching the sky. The tower is built atop cliff rocks, nestled by the water, with a precipitous setting and beautiful scenery. The existing Guanyin Hall houses newly crafted statues including those of Guanyin and Shakyamuni Buddha, totaling 18 deities.