Xiamaling Tea Pavilion

Xiamaling Tea Pavilion

The Xiamaling Tea Pavilion is located at the end of Mashilu in Malin Community, South District, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province (historically a major thoroughfare for travelers from the four southern townships of Shiqi). It was first built during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt between 1865 and 1868 during the fourth to seventh years of the Tongzhi reign in the Qing Dynasty, renovated in 1935 during the 24th year of the Republic of China, and restored with added enclosing walls in 1999. The tea pavilion consists of three parts: the courtyard, the tea pavilion itself, and the Huachashan Guesthouse, featuring a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The tea pavilion has a concrete roof supported by eight square granite pillars, six of which bear inscribed couplets crafted by various literati. The Huachashan Guesthouse has a flat roof and a brick-concrete structure, with a granite door frame. The plaque above the door, inscribed with “Huachashan Guesthouse,” was written by Zeng Wangyan. Inside, there are two rooms for the caretaker and guests to stay. Two large camphor trees are planted in the courtyard.

The Xiamaling Tea Pavilion is said to have been a vital stop for tea and rest along the route from Xiangshan County to Nanyang. Historically, it served as a gathering place for local scholars and poets to compose verses, as well as a resting spot for the constant flow of merchants, making it a rare cultural heritage site.

Malin Community: Overview of Malin Community

Malin Community is situated in the central-eastern part of the South District. It had settlements and commercial activity as early as the Tang and Song dynasties. In the early Yuan Dynasty, it became a clustered residential area nestled between two hills, Meiling and Malin, which resembled a horse’s saddle. During the Southern Song Dynasty, as emperors stayed in Shachong, all who passed through this area were required to dismount—hence the name “Xiamaling” (Dismounting Hill), which was later changed to its current name. After the “village-to-community” reform in 2006, it became a residents' committee, comprising two natural villages: Malin Village and Longhuan Village, covering an area of approximately 9 square kilometers. The community borders the Wuguishan Mountain Range to the east, the former Dutou Community to the west, the former Hengmei Community to the north, and the former Beitai Community to the south, with National Highway 105 running along the northwest section of the area... More details about Malin Community++