Pavilion of Literary Profundity (Wenyuange)
The Pavilion of Literary Profundity (Wenyuange), situated behind the Hall of Literary Glory (Wenhuadian) on the eastern wing of the Forbidden City, stands as the largest royal library from 1776 to 1911. It was dedicated to housing the Complete Library in Four Sections (Si Ku Quan Shu).
What is the Complete Library in Four Sections?
It's a comprehensive archive of China's ancient works and scientific achievements, categorized into Jing (Confucian Classics), Shi (History), Zi (Philosophy), and Ji (Literature), which are the “four sections”. Each volume was meticulously bound in exquisite silk and encased in precious Phoebe wood boxes.
This collection spans an astonishing 2,800 years, from the pre-Qin period (11th century BC~ 221 BC) to just before the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (middle 18th century).
Containing over 36,000 books totaling 2 million pages, it boasts the largest collection of books in Chinese history, comparable to a small library.
Why was such an enormous book compiled?
As an old Chinese proverb goes, "Force conquers kingdoms, but wisdom and culture govern them". Reflecting this wisdom, Emperor Qianlong (1711~1799) prioritized culture and education, and organized the compilation of the Complete Library in Four Sections, with the aim of preserving all cultural achievements of the time and transmitting traditional culture.
Where did the books for this compilation come from?
To compile the best versions possible, Emperor Qianlong instructed officials across all provinces to extensively collect books from previous dynasties and contemporary works, and send them to capital Beijing.
Particularly, Yongle Encyclopedia (Yong Le Da Dian), the largest and most qualified encyclopedia compiled during the Ming Dynasty (1368~1644), contributed a lot to the Complete Library in Four Sections.
While plenty of books were found and collected, numerous “forbidden books” were burned.
While plenty of books were found and collected, numerous “forbidden books” were burned.From 1774, a stove was placed in front of the Hall of Martial Valor (Wuyingdian) to burn a staggering 60,000 to 70,000 volumes collected and deemed harmful to the Qing Dynasty’s rule. Some say that Emperor Qianlong created one Complete Library in Four Sections but also burned another.
Who compiled the Complete Library in Four Sections?
The compilation gathered a team of top officials and scholars. Led by royal dukes and grand councilors, over 360 experts were tasked with this monumental project by Emperor Qianlong. Seven copies were made and stored nationwide to protect the work from being destroyed. In total, the project involved over 4,200 people—a record in ancient China.
Where were the Complete Library in Four Sections stored? Can we see them today?
The first edition of the work was completed in 1782 and stored in the Forbidden City’s Imperial Academy. To prevent any catastrophic loss, seven additional copies were made and dispersed across seven libraries specially built for it, including the Pavilion of Literary Profundity, Beijing’s Old Summer Palace, Chengde’s Imperial Summer Resort, Shenyang, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, and Hangzhou.
Today, only three copies remain intact and they are preserved in the National Palace Museum in Taipei, the National Library of China in Beijing, and the Gansu Provincial Library. The one in the Pavilion of Literary Profundity in the Forbidden City is a donated photocopy version of the book.
Pavilion of Literary Profundity: A Fire-Safe Masterpiece
The Pavilion of Literary Profundity, named after the Ming Dynasty's imperial library that suffered devastating fires in 1449, 1531, and 1644, resulting in the loss of numerous irreplaceable classics including the original Yongle Encyclopedia, represents a revolutionary approach to fire prevention.
Learning from these historical tragedies, Emperor Qianlong tasked officials to study the Tianyi Pavilion, a renowned fire-safe private library in southeast China, and incorporate its design into the Pavilion of Literary Profundity. Completed in 1776, this masterpiece has successfully protected the Complete Library in Four Sections from fire damage ever since.
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| Tianyi Pavilion, a Fire-Safe Library in Southeast China |
Fire-Proof Location
The Pavilion was strategically located on the north bank of the Inner Golden Water River, where the river could be a natural firewall and ensured easy access to water for firefighting. Additionally, the northern area of the Pavilion was an open treeless space free from potential fire hazards.
Brick Firewalls
The side walls of the Pavilion, constructed from solid brick without windows or doors, were nearly one-meter-thick, effectively enclosing the wooden framework and providing a robust barrier against fire.
Metaphysical Use of Number, Color, & Name
In Chinese Five Elements theory, the number six represents the water element, used to counteract fire. Therefore, both floors of the Pavilion featured six rooms, respectively with six lattice doors, lattice windows, and vent windows.
Ancient beliefs held that black symbolized water, so the Pavilion's roof was adorned with black glazed tiles, akin to wearing a "water cap" to suppress fire energy.
Furthermore, the "yuan" in the Pavilion’s Chinese name originally denoted a deep water pool, further emphasizing the water element.
Fire-Resistant Decorations
Visitors can observe water ripples, lotus flowers, and aquatic plants painted on beams, columns, doors, and windows here. Under the eaves, painted horses galloping on waves and dragons carrying books amidst clouds subtly hint at the water gods protecting the precious tomes within.
Questions You May Ask…
Who could enter the Pavilion of Literary Profundity in ancient times?
Only the emperor and select officials with special permission could enter the Pavilion of Literary Profundity. The officials were strictly prohibited from damaging or removing any materials.
The Pavilion’s Complete Library in Four Sections and France's Encyclopédie both emerged in the 18th century. What are the main differences between them?
It's important to clarify that the Complete Library in Four Sections is not a traditional encyclopedia in the modern sense. Rather, it is a monumental compilation of ancient Chinese literature and scholarship, upholding feudal ideology and placing less emphasis on practical knowledge such as science and technology.
In contrast, France's Encyclopédie aimed to provide a comprehensive and encyclopedic knowledge base, often emphasizing scientific and practical information, reflecting the Enlightenment era's focus on rationalism and progress.
In contrast, France's Encyclopédie aimed to provide a comprehensive and encyclopedic knowledge base, often emphasizing scientific and practical information, reflecting the Enlightenment era's focus on rationalism and progress.
Can visitors enter the Pavilion of Literary Profundity today?
Unfortunately, it's closed for preservation, but if interested in the royal study life, you can still explore the Hall of Literary Display (Chizaotang), Emperor Qianlong's former study now a bookstore, in the northeast of the Imperial Garden. Additionally, northeast of Taihemen Square, the Block Printing Hall displays ancient printing materials, and in 2025, the Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxindian) with the emperor's study will open to the public.
- Last updated on Jun. 06, 2025 by Jally Zhang -