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.
Li Yuanying, a brother of Taizong
who assumed the name Tengwang upon being knighted, commissioned
the original three storied, thirty meters high building in the
year 654 during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The pavilion was named
after him but it was to undergo reconstruction as a consequence
of events during its 1,300 year long history. Wang Bo, a gifted
and well known poet of the Tang Dynasty, wrote his 'Essay on Tengwang
Pavilion' thus documenting its importance. However, probably the
worst tragedy occurred in 1926, when it was destroyed by fire
during the conflicts between the Northern Warlords. The current
building is the result of rebuilding that was carried out between
1983 and 1989.
The existing pavilion is even more spectacular and magnificent
than its predecessors. Reached by a Nine-zigzag bridge and surrounded
by rock gardens and lakes, it is built in the architectural style
of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is in fact a complex and not
just a single structure. The principle building, covering 47,000
square meters (about 12 acres), is nine storied and 57.5 meters
(about 189 feet) in height. Two smaller pavilions stand on the
north and south sides of the main building. Their elegance and
simplicity is set off by glazed jade-green tiles on the roof,
pretty eaves and red pillars. Engraved screens enhance the interiors.
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.