Stele Inscriptions of Zhenwu Pavilion

Stele Inscriptions of Zhenwu Pavilion

The stele inscriptions of Zhenwu Pavilion are a cultural relic protection unit of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The stele inscriptions of Zhenwu Pavilion are located beside Zhenwu Pavilion on the Jinglue Terrace in Rong County.

The three Ming and Qing dynasty steles are currently embedded in the pavilion west of Zhenwu Pavilion within Zhenwu Pavilion Park. The inscriptions respectively document the historical evolution and geographical location of the Jinglue Terrace and the Wudang Palace built upon it, as well as the reconstruction of Wudang Palace. They also describe the historical development of Zhenwu Pavilion on the Jinglue Terrace and the surrounding scenery, the function of the Jinglue Terrace and its renovation process, the original intention behind the creation of Zhenwu Pavilion on the Jinglue Terrace, and record the character and political achievements of Tang Dynasty's Jinglue Envoy Yuan Jie.

In addition to the Rong County Annals compiled in the 23rd year of the Guangxu reign (1893), there are also steles documenting the renovations of Zhenwu Pavilion. Currently, there are four steles recording the historical renovations of Zhenwu Pavilion, among which the most significant are the “Jiajing Wudang Palace Stele” by Liang Pei in the 31st year of the Jiajing reign (1552) and the “Reconstruction of Wudang Palace Stele” by Yang Xixi in the 48th year of the Wanli reign (1620). The former records the reconstruction of Wudang Palace during the Jiajing era and is currently embedded in the stele corridor west of the Jinglue Terrace. It is a key cultural relic of Guangxi, and although partially damaged, the Rong County Museum preserves rubbings of it. The latter describes the first major renovation of the existing Zhenwu Pavilion over forty years after its completion, and traces the origins and construction of Zhenwu Pavilion in the early Wanli period (1573–1580). This stele has been lost, but its text is recorded in the county annals. Both steles explain the background and reasons for constructing the three-story pavilion and list the key figures involved in the construction, whose names are engraved on stone to be remembered by posterity.

The stele inscriptions of Zhenwu Pavilion are a key cultural relic protection unit of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.