The Tengwang Pavilion (Tengwang ge) is situated near the mouth of the Fu River (Fu he), as it joins with the larger Ganjiang River (Ganjiang he). It is a huge structure isolated by a square of flat, grey paving and a monumental stone base and is recognised as one of the four famous Chinese superstructures, along with the Yellow Crane Tower, the Penglai Pavilion in Shandong, and the Yueyang Tower in Hunan.
In Chinese, the Pavilion is called Teng Wang Ge. The tower has nine stories— three that can be seen from the naked eyes, four hidden inside and two below the ground. Li Yuan Ying , the brother of Taizong who assumed the name Teng Wang upon being knighted ,commissioned the original three stories, thirty meters high building in 654 during the Tang Dynasty(618—907). The pavilion was named after him, but it was to undergo the reconstruction as a consequence of events during its 1,300 year long history. However, 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.
Tenwang Pavilion was initially built by Li Yuanying in 653 (the fourth year of the Yonghui Reign in Tang Dynasty), when he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of Hongzhou. As one of the sons of Li Yuan, the first emperor in Tang Dynasty, Li Yuanying had grown in a monarch home and nourished by the royalty elegance. He mastered in painting, calligraphy and music and was fascinated by the natural beauty, frequently indulging himself in the balmy isles and gorgeous boats, which had reached the summit of the prosperity at that time. (Narration for the Rebuilding of Tenwang Pavilion written by Chen Wenzhu in Ming Dynasty). According to history records, as the former inspector of Suzhou, Li Yuanying had brought a group of singing and dancing artists from Suzhou to Hongzhou, when he was transferred to be a commander- in ¨C chief there, and immerged in banquets and amusements all day long. Later, he specially built the pavilion by the river to enjoy the pleasure and merry in the music and dance, thus the pavilion taken the name of Tengwang that was a title awarded to him in Zhenguan Reign.
The tower is located on the eastern side of the Gan River and the style of architecture used is from the Song Dynasty. The existing pavilion is even more spectacular and magnificent than its predecessors. Reached by Nine-zigzag Bridge and surrounded by rock gardens and lakes, it’s in fact a complex and not just a single structure as it is mentioned. The principle building covers 47,000 square meters (about 12 acres). 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. Engrave 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 steles and 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.
The reason why the tower is so famous is that one of Wang Bo’s poem is included— Teng Wang Ge Xu. The poet accompanied his father to the tower one night and he recorded the event through poetry. His poem described the night in an emotional way that made the poem stick into the minds of many Chinese. One year later after writing this poem, he died. The popularity of the poet lasted today with Chairman Mao having opened quoted him and with the lines of his poem written on the pillars of the tower’s front gate
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.
As the symbol of Nanchang, Teng Wang pavilion is a scenic spot that you can’t miss.
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)
The Tengwang Pavilion (Tengwang ge) is situated near the mouth of the Fu River (Fu he), as it joins with the larger Ganjiang River (Ganjiang he). It is a huge structure isolated by a square of flat, grey paving and a monumental stone base and is recognised as one of the four famous Chinese superstructures, along with the Yellow Crane Tower, the Penglai Pavilion in Shandong, and the Yueyang Tower in Hunan.
Tenwang Pavilion was initially built by Li Yuanying in 653 (the fourth year of the Yonghui Reign in Tang Dynasty), when he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of Hongzhou. As one of the sons of Li Yuan, the first emperor in Tang Dynasty, Li Yuanying had grown in a monarch home and nourished by the royalty elegance. He mastered in painting, calligraphy and music and was fascinated by the natural beauty, frequently indulging himself in the balmy isles and gorgeous boats, which had reached the summit of the prosperity at that time. (Narration for the Rebuilding of Tenwang Pavilion written by Chen Wenzhu in Ming Dynasty). According to history records, as the former inspector of Suzhou, Li Yuanying had brought a group of singing and dancing artists from Suzhou to Hongzhou, when he was transferred to be a commander- in ¨C chief there, and immerged in banquets and amusements all day long. Later, he specially built the pavilion by the river to enjoy the pleasure and merry in the music and dance, thus the pavilion taken the name of Tengwang that was a title awarded to him in Zhenguan Reign.
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 steles and 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.