Liu Yi Pavilion

Liu Yi Pavilion

Liu Yi Pavilion is located to the west of Building 4 in the northern area of South China University of Technology. It was first built on February 11, 1937 (the 26th year of the Republic of China), funded with a donation of one thousand yuan by He Yunqiao, then Governor of Hunan Province under the Nationalist Government. The pavilion was damaged during the Cultural Revolution and was restored to its original appearance in 1988, when the memorial stele was moved from the front of the pavilion to its center. Both the plaque and the stele are originals.

The pavilion faces southwest (bearing 225 degrees), stands about 6 meters tall, has sides 2.2 meters long, and covers an area of 20 square meters. To its front left is a building, while the other directions are surrounded by tall woods and bushes.

The roof is a hexagonal pyramidal structure with green glazed tiles, featuring several yellow glazed flying ridges and lotus-patterned tile ends, along with heart-shaped drip tiles. There are six round columns, square at the top, adorned with bas-relief scroll leaf patterns. The column shafts are surfaced with fine stone aggregate, giving the overall style a resemblance to ancient Greek Ionic columns. Six dragon heads decorate the eaves at each corner. The surrounding corridor columns have openwork bench-style railings at their bases, providing seating for rest. The floor is paved with granite slabs. There are two steps leading up through gaps in the railing. Under the eaves hangs a wooden plaque inscribed with “Liu Yi Pavilion,” signed by “Zou Lu,” who was then the president of Sun Yat-sen University—the signature has been painted over. On the left is also a seal, but it is difficult to discern.

In the center of the pavilion stands a stone stele, 1.02 meters tall, 57 centimeters wide, and 21 centimeters thick, with a base that is 61 centimeters high. The inscription on the stele was written by Zou Lu in traditional Chinese characters without punctuation. It aims to encourage students to learn from Liu Yongfu and revive the nation. The inscription reads as follows:

The site of this school was once the camp of General Liu Yi. Mr. He Yunqiao, Governor of Hunan Province, donated one thousand yuan to build this pavilion as a memorial. All who ascend this pavilion shall be inspired to follow the general’s spirit in resisting foreign aggression, and the revival of our nation will thus be within reach.

President Zou Lu (seal)

May 24, 1937, the 26th Year of the Republic of China