Yueyang Pavilion

Situated at the shores of Dongting Lake in Yueyang City, Hunan Province, together with Tengwang Pavilion in Hubei Province and the Yellow Crane Tower in Jiangxi Province, Yueyang Pavilion is known as one of three greatest pavilions in south China. In 1988 it was listed by the State Council as a national key cultural relic’s protection unit.

It is generally believed that Yueyang Pavilion was built more than 1,700 years ago. During the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280) the rudimentary form of the building was that of a parade (ceremonial) pavilion. During the Western Jin (265-316) and the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386-589), it was used by the military with the name of 'Baling Tower'. It was not until the Tang Dynasty that it was renamed as the Yueyang Pavilion. The pavilion was destroyed and rebuilt for several times. In North Song Dynasty, the famous writer Fan Zhongyan wrote the prestigious article of “Essay on Yueyang Pavilion”. The magnificent words and sentences made the Yueyang Pavilion enjoy high reputation in all dynasties. Moreover, the pavilion was the ideal place for the writers, scholars, and political officials to write poems and essays, drink wine and talk about country and lives.

The Yueyang Pavilion is a three storey, rectangular building which reaches 15 meters (about 49 feet) high and is constructed entirely from wood. Surprisingly, no nails or beams have been used in its construction. This is a rare feature in classical architecture. Pillars have been included in the construction to ensure the strength of the building. Four pillars made of 'Nanmu' wood support the entire pavilion; twelve pillars of catalpa wood support the eaves of the first storey and a further twelve pillars have been included to support the second storey. The roof is built using unusual curved lines which are similar to the shape of a helmet used by a knight of ancient times.

Seen from a distance, the Yueyang Pavilion seems like a giant bird which is in flight. The red building with its yellow glazed roof tiles is a splendid and colorful sight. Views here are spectacular. You will see the pavilion glowing in the sunshine together with the drifting clouds as reflections on the glimmering surface of the Dongting Lake. You will also see the white sails of passing boats contrasting with the blue sky. Couplets and carved screens are hung on the wall inside the building providing the visitors with the history of this pavilion.

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