Zitong Palace

　　Located atop Guixiang Mountain (also known as Yingpan Mountain), about half a li southeast of the city on the banks of the Qu River. Originally built in the 34th year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty (1555), it was advocated for construction by Xu Ziyan, the prefectural governor. It was burned down during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty and subsequently repaired by local residents. In the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935), it was renovated again. The existing palace measures 21 meters in length from north to south and 13.5 meters in width from east to west, covering an area of 283.5 square meters. The front gate wall is inscribed with "Zitong Palace," and the door features a couplet that reads: "First served King Zhou, then served King Wu — a gallant hero who upheld justice under heaven; granted a marquis title in life, deified after death — a mighty spirit who saves the world." The palace is a traditional Chinese post-and-lintel structure with a flush gable roof, built from earth and timber. The first bay is supported by walls on the east and west sides, with a central caisson-style skylight for lighting, beneath which once hung a golden plaque inscribed with "Both Holy and Divine" (destroyed during the Cultural Revolution). The second bay is the main hall, featuring four rows of columns. The entire building is simple yet elegant in style.

　　A tower was once built in front of the palace. In the first year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1723), the tower collapsed and was replaced with a pavilion named "Guixiang Pavilion." This three-story hexagonal structure stands over 10 meters tall, with exquisitely crafted flying eaves and flowing colors. It was once one of the four famous pavilions in Jingzhou. In the 24th year of the Republic of China (1935), Liang Youqing, a local resident, raised funds to build a pavilion called "Liufang Pavilion" in memory of the "Ten Thousand Flowers Maiden" and to enhance the scenic beauty. The pavilion is situated halfway up the mountain and contains built-in benches for visitors to rest.

　　Source: Jingzhou Local Chronicles Office