Huilai Wenchang Pavilion

Huilai Wenchang Pavilion

Huilai Wenchang Pavilion is a cultural tourism attraction.

Wenchang Pavilion

The Wenchang Pavilion Tower is located south of Huilai County. It was first built during the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty, but was destroyed by fire during the Shunzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. In the 26th year of the Kangxi reign (1687), Magistrate Zhang Bingzheng renovated the pavilion and relocated it from north to south. In the 2nd year of the Qianlong reign (1737), Magistrate Yang Zongbing constructed a three-story Wenchang Pavilion Tower on the original site of the shrine in front of the pavilion, inscribed with the name “Kuiguang Pavilion.” This tower is a feng shui tower, built in ancient brick-and-stone structure using lime plaster over rammed earth. It features a three-tiered octagonal shape with closely stacked eaves, stands 23 meters tall, and each level is supported by stone pillars with exterior railings and interior spiral staircases. The caisson ceiling is painted with the Eight Trigrams diagram. The northern gate on the third floor is inscribed with the regular script “Nest of Phoenixes Soaring into the Clouds” by Zhou Shuoxun, the Qing prefect. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the sea and mountains.

In 1988, the county government allocated a hundred-acre area around the tower to build a comprehensive recreational facility, named “Kuiyang Park.” The ancient Wenchang Pavilion Tower was refurbished, and a replica of the former Wenming Academy was built in front of the tower, showcasing cultural relics and antiques, with revolutionary history exhibition halls on both sides. The park features pavilions and small towers set apart, with carefully arranged landscapes including potted plants, rockeries, fountains, orchid gardens, and ancient banyan trees, presenting a vibrant and renewed appearance that enhances the charm of this historic site. The park also includes a lakeside corridor for rest, with walls engraved with illustrations of Huilai’s famous scenic spots, serving as a guide for visitors.