The Observation Tower and Moon-Appreciation Pavilion at Heilongtan in Yuxi

The Observation Tower and Moon-Appreciation Pavilion at Heilongtan in Yuxi

Heilongtan, located at the western foot of Longyin Mountain behind Dianwei Village, six kilometers southwest of Yuxi City, is one of Yuxi’s famous scenic areas. The Observation Tower and the Moon-Appreciation Pavilion are both key structures within Heilongtan.

Observation Tower. Situated to the east of the dragon pond, it faces south with its back to the north. Designed in the style of a gate tower with a single-eave, hanging gable roof, it features five bays across a total width of 18 meters and a depth of 8 meters, standing about 7 meters tall. The building has two floors, with solid earthen walls on the left, right, and rear, while the front upper floor is fitted with low, horizontal wooden railings and the lower floor has square wooden lattice windows, giving it a simple and elegant appearance. Below the railings on the upper level are wooden benches where visitors can lean over and enjoy the view. From here, one can gaze up at drifting clouds and radiant sunsets, or look down upon shimmering waters and surrounding hills. Each of the secondary bays along the floor contains a painted screen. The figures depicted in the paintings are remarkably lifelike, with expressive postures, showcasing the characteristics of classical figure painting. The entire structure exudes an ancient elegance, with clear structural hierarchy, rigorous composition, and a majestic atmosphere that embodies the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. Below the front eaves, the beams and spandrel panels are painted with designs of flowers, birds, and phoenixes. At the front of the upper floor, two wooden plaques hang—one in the front and one in the rear—inscribed with “Observation Tower” and “Yicui Tower,” respectively. The former is written in regular script, carved in intaglio, with larger characters, penned by Mr. Chen Chang, a notable figure from Kunming. The latter is in running script, also carved in intaglio, with slightly smaller characters, written by Li Hongxiang, a celebrated local from Yuxi. The calligraphy is vigorous and forceful, with a powerful brushstroke. The combination of regular and running scripts is well-balanced, brimming with charm and inviting contemplation. On the left side of the wall in front of the tower are embedded two stone tablets: “Eternal Praise for Purity” and “Virtue Shines Through the Ages.” The former is a merit stele commemorating the construction of the Observation Tower and the Moon-Appreciation Pavilion. Erected in the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929 AD), the text was written by Guo Guangwen, then magistrate of Xiyue County and a local resident, describing the reasons and significance behind the construction. The latter is also a merit stele, erected in the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935 AD).

The Observation Tower was built in the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928 AD), with construction starting and completing within the same year. In 1981, the Guojing Brigade, Chima Brigade, and Yuxi District Survey Team jointly funded the renovation of Heilongtan, restoring and repainting the structures, giving them a completely renewed appearance.

Moon-Appreciation Pavilion. Located within Heilongtan, it faces north while sitting to the south, directly opposite the Observation Tower across the water. It features a double-eave, pyramidal roof, is square in shape with each side measuring 5 meters, and stands over 6 meters tall. It is a standalone structure, small yet exquisite. The rear is a solid brick wall, while the left, right, front, and upper sections are fitted with low, horizontal wooden railings. Inside, there are wooden benches where visitors can sit or lean, enjoying views of the water and hills. The pavilion is exquisitely designed, with decorative elements on the eaves. The beams, spandrels, and panels on all three sides are carved with patterns of fish, birds, flowers, grass, and landscapes, accented with brackets (dougong) whose tips are intricately carved into dragons, lotuses, and lanterns. The front apron panel features two classical poems inscribed in regular script: “After fresh rain in the empty mountains, the late spring air arrives. Bright moonlight filters through the pines; clear spring water flows over the stones,” and “When the moon reaches the heart of the sky, and the wind comes to the water’s surface, a uniquely serene delight arises—few are those who know it.” The interior of the pavilion is marked with the three characters “Moon-Appreciation Pavilion.” Outside the pavilion is a stone bridge that connects it to the Observation Tower, forming a unified whole.

Stone Bridge. This three-arch bridge links the Observation Tower and the Moon-Appreciation Pavilion at its head and tail. Its original construction date is unknown, but it had already collapsed during the Republican era. Guo Guangwen, former magistrate of Xiyue County, consulted with elders from six local settlements including Guojing and Chima, and funding was raised to rebuild the bridge in the 17th year of the Republic of China (1928 AD). In 1981, repairs were made to reinforce missing parts, add railings and benches, and repaint the structure, giving it a fresh new look.