Guiyang Wenchang Pavilion

Guiyang Wenchang Pavilion

Guiyang Wenchang Pavilion is a cultural relic protection unit of Guizhou Province.

Wenchang Pavilion

Location: Situated on Yuecheng (Moon City) at the East Gate of Guiyang (No. 29 Wenchang Street, Yunyan District, Guiyang City, Guizhou Province)

Tourist route: Take bus routes 4, 5, 12, 21, 54, 64, 22, 24, 25, or 35 and get off at Shengyi Station, Dongmen Station, or Lianhuapo Station, then walk to the site.

Introduction: Wenchang Pavilion is located in the eastern part of downtown Guiyang. Originally built in the 37th year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1609), it covers an area of 1,200 square meters. It is renowned for its ingenious design and unique structure, and is a provincial-level key cultural relic protection unit. This Taoist temple is situated on Yuecheng at the East Gate of Guiyang, initially constructed in the 37th year of the Wanli era (1609) during the Ming Dynasty, and was renovated in the 8th year of the Kangxi reign (1669) during the Qing Dynasty, with further maintenance and expansions carried out during the Yongzheng, Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Daoguang eras. The pavilion is a nine-sided, three-story tower-like structure, flanked by side halls, with a front wing that connects the side halls, forming a courtyard layout. The main building stands approximately 20 meters tall, with a width of 11.47 meters and a depth of 11.58 meters. It features three stories and three eaves, with an irregular nine-sided hip-and-gable roof. Each level has numerous bracket sets, with curved brackets and moderately upturned eaves. The window lattices and beam boards are adorned with painted decorations, showcasing distinctive local architectural characteristics. Originally built to enshrine the God of Literature, Wenchang, it now serves as a cultural relic protection site in Guiyang.

Architectural Features

The structure consists of three stories, three eaves, and a nine-sided irregular hip-and-gable roof. Currently, all other multi-angular structures in China have even numbers of sides, making the design of Guiyang Wenchang Pavilion unique in the country. The pavilion has three stories and a nine-sided layout, with the ground floor being square-shaped. Its total height is 20 meters, and it features side halls on both sides, with a front wing connecting the side halls. Architecturally, the top-floor golden columns are supported by floor beams, while the eave columns pass through the second floor to serve as the golden columns of that level. Similarly, the second-floor eave columns extend down to the ground floor to act as its golden columns, creating a progressively larger foundation and resulting in a stable, top-small-bottom-large form. Each level offers ample interior space. The exterior is majestic and imposing. Internally, the second and third floors each have nine purlins, the roof has nine angles, the columns number fifty-four, and the beams eighty-one—all multiples of nine, reflecting ingenious design. In ancient times, the number “nine” symbolized the ultimate in greatness and abundance, representing the highest authority and status. The structure is simple yet majestic, with an elegant courtyard below. The window lattices and beam boards feature painted designs, and the carvings differ markedly from those of northern traditional architecture. The side halls and front wing both have double-eave gable-and-hip roofs. When first built, there was also an attached stable for horses and mules, and a bronze drum was placed on the main floor. The architectural style has strong local characteristics, and the nine-sided design is rare in China. The pavilion sits atop a broad, sturdy moon-city wall, appearing grand and imposing. The surrounding landscape of mountains, rivers, and cityscapes unfolds before visitors’ eyes, enhancing the enjoyment for those who come to admire the view.

Ticket Price: Currently free to visitors.

Opening Hours

8:00-18:00

Transportation

Take bus routes 4, 5, 6, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 31 (loop), 32, 34, 37, 40, 42, 44, 45, 54, 61, 64, 68, 69, 202, 253, or 303 and get off at Dongmen Station

Further Reading:

· First Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Guizhou Province