Mingcui Pavilion in Nanping

　　Situated east of downtown Nanping and beside the Jianxi River, Mingcui Pavilion is built against Fengguan Rock. It was originally built during the Ming Dynasty as Guanyin Pavilion. The renowned Song Dynasty poet Xin Qiji visited Yanping and left behind the lyric poem “Shuilongyin: Passing by the Twin Streams Tower at Nanjian,” which references this pavilion on Fengguan Rock. In the 31st year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1692), the entire structure was expanded and renamed Mingcui Pavilion. It was destroyed during the Tongzhi era but was soon rebuilt. During the Cultural Revolution, under the pretenses of eliminating the “Four Olds” and “opening a military defense road,” the pavilion was demolished and the rock face was leveled, leaving nothing behind. Today, it has been rebuilt to its original design, along with the new “No.1 Pavilion of Northern Fujian,” covering an area of 40 hectares.

　　 Perched atop a high cliff, Mingcui Pavilion overlooks the Min River, with its architectural complex clinging tightly to the rocky precipice. As you climb upward, you’ll find “a pavilion every five steps, a tower every ten, corridors winding gracefully, and eaves jutting sharply upward.” The pavilions and towers showcase exquisite craftsmanship, while the painted corridors and stone pagodas are uniquely charming. Ascending from the footpath beside the highway, you enter the “Mingcui Scenic Area” gate. Passing diagonally across the Dragon-Connecting Bridge linked to the main hall, you reach the spiral pavilion, then ascend to the viewing platform, proceed through the corridor, and enter the octagonal tower. Standing on the cliff edge and peering over the railing is dizzying. A winding stone path in the back mountain hugs the cliffs and leads up to the mountain ridge where eminent monks are said to have attained nirvana—a solemn spot adorned with tall ancient trees, lush foliage, and birdsong, offering a serene retreat amid the bustling city. The Qing Dynasty poet Zhu ? wrote: “The towering ancient pavilion leans against the eastern city, a rugged path winds through emerald hues. Verdant mountains all around form a painted scene, spring blossoms and autumn leaves glow red beyond the bridge.” Many other poems by literati throughout history have also praised Mingcui Pavilion. Visitors coming here to worship and sightsee include many international friends, overseas Chinese, and compatriots from Singapore, Japan, Thailand, the United States, Germany, as well as Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.

　　 The Buddhist observance period here celebrates the birthday of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with scripture recitations held from the folk legend date of the 19th day of the sixth lunar month (Guanyin’s enlightenment) to the 19th day of the ninth lunar month (Guanyin’s renunciation). Celebrations are also held for the birthday of Sakyamuni Buddha. Eminent monks from renowned temples such as Drum Mountain, Snow Peak, and Nanyuan also come to preach the Dharma, attracting thousands of worshippers, creating an unprecedented grand occasion.