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Tengwang Pavilion

Tengwang Pavilion

Write: Tanaka [2011-05-23]

Tengwang Pavilion, one of the Four Great Towers of China, is located in the northwest quadrant of the city of Nanchang (formerly Hongzhou), in Jiangxi Province. The towering pavilion is situated on the east bank of the Gan River, which empties into the Yangtze River via China's largest freshwater lake, Lake Poyang, about 40 kilometers north of Nanchang.
Tengwang Pavilion is located on the shore of the Kan, in Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province. Together with Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Pavilion (Yueyang Lou) , this fine building is one of the three most notable pavilions on south side of the Yangtze River. It also has the reputation of being the 'First Pavilion of Xijiang River' and has been widely admired by visitors from all over the world. In terms of its height, overall size and architectural style, this pavilion is a prime example of such buildings for which China is justifiably famous.
The pavilion was built in CE 653 during the fourth year of the Yonghui (CE 650-655) Reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang (CE 618-907) Dynasty for the emperor's younger brother, Prince Teng Li Yuanying (sometimes called King ("Wang") Teng, hence the name of the pavilion). Tengwang Pavilion was so distinctive in its architectural style that it, together with the much older (CE 223, circa) Yellow Crane Pavilion of the Three Kingdoms (CE 220-280) Period, was imitated by the architect of the Forbidden City, who used the pavilions as models for the corner towers of the Forbidden City complex (the Forbidden City was constructed in the years CE 1406-1420, i.e., during the Ming (CE 1368-1644) Dynasty).
Tengwang Pavilion was always a place where learned men gathered to write articles and hold banquets, therefore the display in the new pavilion gives prominence to culture. A variety of bass-relief and frescoes demonstrate that men of talent have brought glory to this place. The plagues, steles, couplets on the columns of the hall are all selections of celebrities. Musical instruments, bronze sacrifice, ritual article, serial bells impart a classical elegance to this new pavilion.
Admission Fee: CNY 50
Opening Hours:
07:00 to 20:00 (Apr. 1 to Oct. 7)
08:00 to 17:30 (Oct. 8 to Mar. 31)
Tel: 86-791-6773005
How to get there:
You can take municipal buses nos. 7, 18, 201 or 801.