Where there is a pavilion, there is elegance; where there is a pavilion, there is a romance. Hangzhou's ancient pavilions are witnesses of history and symbols of the Jiangnan landscape, carrying captivating stories and adding a classical touch to Hangzhou...
01 Cuiwei Pavilion
Located halfway up Peak Flying Afar, Cuiwei Pavilion is closely related to the renowned general Yue Fei and has a history of more than 800 years. This pavilion was built by a famous anti-Jin general of the Song Dynasty named Han Shizhong, who fought alongside Yue Fei. After being falsely accused and dismissed from his official position, Han Shizhong sought solace in the scenery of West Lake, with the Peak Flying Afar being a place where he often eased his burdens. After the unjust death of Yue Fei, Han Shizhong built Cuiwei Pavilion in memory of his fallen comrade.
In classical Chinese gardens, pavilions with upturned eaves are commonly seen, and Cuiwei Pavilion, situated on higher ground, becomes both a viewpoint for admiring Peak Flying Afar and a spot for visitors to overlook the serene Cold Spring Creek. Half visible and half invisible, the pavilion sets off the towering mountains with its understated and natural beauty. Standing on the open platform of Cuiwei Pavilion, one can enjoy picturesque views of lush forests and winding streams, recite and appreciate poetry and literary allusions, read inscriptions and couplets, explore the past, discuss about philosophy, and enjoy the poetic life brought by the natural landscape.
02 Xihu Tianxiajing Pavilion
The "Xihu Tianxiajing" Pavilion on the Solitary Hill is a scenic pavilion. Its name is taken from a line of poetry by Su Shi, which means "West Lake, the world's scenery." Xihu Tianxiajing Pavilion is a square pavilion with a single-eave gable and hip roof and corner railings, featuring a stone table and four stone drum-shaped stools in the center. It faces a water pond and is backed by steep rocks.
The couplet on the pillars, "Everywhere the waters and mountains are clear and beautiful, the weather is always fascinating with sunshine or rain," was inscribed by Huang Wenzhong. This couplet cleverly uses overlapping characters, forming a valid phrase whether read forwards or backwards. During the turmoil of the Taiping Rebellion, the imperial buildings the Solitary Hill were all ruined, but Xihu Tianxiajing Pavilion managed to survive and became the sole remaining royal garden.
In front of Xihu Tianxiajing Pavilion lies Zhuyue Spring, one of the "Eight Scenes of the Royal Palace" designated by Emperor Qianlong. Originally, a spring emerged from the cliff, forming a curved pool where the moon was reflected in the clear water, inspiring Emperor Qianlong to name it "Zhuyue Spring."
03 Daisecantian Pavilion
Maojiabu, located west of the West Lake with Yanggong Causeway to the east and Longjing Road to the west, is now a rare tranquil place for tourists by the West Lake.
Daisecantian is actually a wooden pavilion on the water in Maojiabu and has become a popular photography spot endorsed by many photographers. The water surface in Maojiabu is quite open, and with a gentle breeze, people can experience the tranquility described in "gentle winds, calm waves, and light filling the entire water," whether they are strolling amid the beautiful scenery or just sitting quietly in the pavilion.