Xiping Jade Emperor Pavilion

Xiping Jade Emperor Pavilion

Xiping Jade Emperor Pavilion is a cultural relic protection unit of Shanxi Province.

Xiping Jade Emperor Pavilion (Fifth Batch of Provincial-Level Protected Sites)

Era: Ming Dynasty

Address: Inside Xiping Village, Xipingbao Town, Tianzhen County, Datong City

The Jade Emperor Pavilion is also known as the Border Defense Tower. The structure faces south overall, measuring 14.3 meters in length from north to south and 10.4 meters in width from east to west, covering an area of approximately 148.7 square meters. According to ink inscriptions on the beams, the Jade Emperor Pavilion was built in the eleventh year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty (1583), and underwent renovations in the 27th year of the Kangxi reign (1688), the 46th year of the Qianlong reign (1781), and in 1992. The current building is relatively well preserved.

The Jade Emperor Pavilion is situated on a brick foundation that is 5.55 meters high. The central part of the foundation features a cruciform passageway with arched brick vaults, allowing access from all four directions, while the upper part is surrounded by brick railings. It is a well-preserved ancient structure in the Datong area. The pavilion has a width of three bays and a depth of four rafters. Originally, it had a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof covered with plain tiles, but in 1992, it was renovated and fitted with a yellow glazed tile roof. The upper-level framework consists of corner braces supporting the diagonal bracing beams, which intersect at the pendant posts to hold the horizontal beams. The lower level uses load-bearing beams to support the floor joists and wooden planks, forming the second-floor surface. A staircase entrance is located at the southeast corner of the building. The upper-level bracket sets feature inverted "V" shapes with single brackets. The beams and purlins display refined craftsmanship. The lower-level beams and arches are constructed with refined details. The southeastern corner of the upper level has a staircase opening. The upper-level column capitals showcase finely carved brackets. The eaves corners are adorned with delicate upturned corners. The upper-level bracket arms are decoratively crafted. The rafters and purlins are arranged in an orderly fashion. The upper-level ceiling features intricately painted patterns. The lower-level beams and columns are also exquisitely detailed. Various architectural components display refined artistry and historical design elements.

Xiping Village’s Jade Emperor Pavilion is located at the junction of the borders of Inner Mongolia, Hebei, and Shanxi provinces. It served as a strategic passage between the Xuanhua and Datong garrisons during the Ming Dynasty and was frequently a site of conflict where Mongolian nomadic troops invaded from the north. In the 25th year of the Jiajing reign (1546), the Jade Emperor Pavilion was constructed and garrisoned by troops. It functioned as a vantage point for military observation, battlefield assessment, and command — highlighting its significant historical and strategic value.

Source: Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Bureau

Further Reading:

· Fifth Batch of Shanxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units