Wénmíng Pavilion

Wénmíng Pavilion is located at the foot of Tianma Mountain in the southeast of Huangyao Town, fronting the Yao River and flanked by Luofeng Hill. It is the foremost of the Eight Scenic Spots of Huangyao and was built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era. It underwent four major renovations in the 45th year of the Qianlong reign (1780), the 10th year of the Daoguang reign (1830), the 9th year of the Tongzhi reign (1870), and the 15th year of the Republic of China. Originally, it comprised twelve structures including Buyun Pavilion, Wénmíng Shoudi (First Mansion of Civilization), a local earth god shrine, Huoran Pavilion, Fulu Pavilion, Xizi Furnace, Natural Painting, the God of Wealth Hall, the Main Hall, Buxia Pavilion, Osmanthus Pavilion, and Kuixing Tower. Today, eight of these remain. The pavilion houses numerous stone inscriptions of poems by historical figures. In 1987, relevant regional authorities allocated 10,000 yuan, and local residents contributed 2,000 yuan for another round of restoration. Mo Naqun, then Vice Chairman of the Regional Political Consultative Conference, rewrote the inscription “Wénmíng Shoudi,” and Wei Ruilin personally inscribed the couplets. It is now a key cultural relic under county-level protection.