Northern Pavilion Buddha Lanterns

Northern Pavilion Buddha Lanterns

Northern Pavilion Scenic Area and Northern Pavilion Buddha Lanterns The Northern Pavilion refers to a cluster of pavilions located on the eastern side of Mount Jin. This area boasts a unique geographical location, where the ancient city wall wraps around Mount Jin. The pavilions and towers are scattered at varying heights amid winding paths, offering stunning views. To the east lies the rapidly flowing Han River, where the scenery is picturesque from both high and low vantage points, making it a true gem of Lingnan. Standing at the Northern Pavilion, you can see the “Autumn Wind at Crocodile Ferry” on the North Embankment, the “Han Ci Oak” across the river, the “Spring Rise of Xiang Bridge” downstream on the Han River, and the “Phoenix Seasonal Rain,” among other scenic spots, all clearly visible. Looking down at the Han River, the waters surge with white sails dotting the surface. The Northern Pavilion Scenic Area was established in the Song Dynasty and took shape in the Ming Dynasty, undergoing cycles of prosperity and decline through the ages. The Yinglan Pavilion serves as the first attraction upon entering the scenic area. It features a circular, pointed roof design with yellow glazed tiles on top and circular stone benches inside for visitors to rest. Liu Tianfu, former Governor of Guangdong Province, inscribed the plaque “Huilan Pavilion” and rewrote the couplet by Yao Zhuyuan: “The surging river sounds pound beneath your feet; the towering peaks cast shadows over the city walls.” The Han River Tower stands against the cityscape and faces the Han River. The two-story building has three bays in width, with a hipped-gable roof adorned with golden tiles, red pillars, and crimson walls, giving it a majestic appearance. The renowned scholar Rao Zongyi inscribed its name “Han River Tower” and rewrote the couplet: “Loyalty shines eternal, a beacon of righteousness; valor stands timeless, an emblem of justice.” Inside the tower, statues of Guan Yu, Guan Ping, and Zhou Cang are recreated, vivid and lifelike. The Xuantian Pavilion is three bays wide and three bays deep, featuring a traditional dougong beam structure and a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof. With its red walls and yellow tiles, it is resplendent and imposing. The famous calligrapher Qin Wuguang inscribed its name “Xuantian Pavilion” and rewrote the couplet: “A solitary pillar stands like a wall against the river; countless springs cascade to stabilize the earth.” Inside the pavilion, a statue of the Xuantian God is erected, depicted with loose hair and a sword, exuding awe-inspiring presence. In traditional Chinese culture, as described in the “I Ching,” each of the four cardinal directions—east, west, south, and north—has its own guardian deity. These are commonly known as the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, and the Black Tortoise (or Xuanwu) of the North. The people of Chaozhou built the Northern Pavilion in the northern part of the city to enshrine the North God, hence the name “Xuantian Pavilion.” To the north of the pavilion stands a tall stone Buddhist lantern tower, 7 meters high, modeled after Tang Dynasty stone pagodas. It has three tiers and six sides, adorned with carvings of Buddhas, lotus flowers, and cloud patterns. The Northern Pavilion Buddha Lanterns refer to the lanterns that were once hung from the mast in front of the pavilion. In the past, these lights shone far into the night, visible from as far as 15 li upstream at Deer Lake on the Han River to Sanyuanpei near Jiangdong downstream, and from Nandong in Zhangxi, Raoping, eastward to Fuyang Town in Chao’an, southward. They served as a navigational beacon for boats on the river. This section of the Han River features sharp turns and rapid currents. Boaters, upon seeing the guiding light, would focus intently, knowing that the ancient city of Chaozhou was near and that they needed to navigate the swift waters with caution. Though the journey was perilous, they arrived safely. The sailors attributed their safety to the guiding light of the mast. Folklore says that one night, the emperor in the capital was sound asleep when he was suddenly awakened by a lantern shining brightly beside his dragon bed. Upon waking, he believed it to be the lantern from the mast of the Northern Pavilion in Chaozhou. From then on, the mast lantern evolved from a navigation light to a divine light, and eventually to a sacred Buddha lantern.

Phone

0768-2227741

Location

Northern Foot of Mount Jin, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province