Xishan Pavillion in Honghe County, Honghe
Overview
Xishan Pavilion, located within Xishan Park (西山公园) in Yisa Town (迤萨镇), Honghe County (红河县), was built in the tenth year of the Tongzhi era (同治十年) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝) (1871). The pavilion stands approximately 10 meters tall and covers an area of about 106 square meters. It features a wooden structure, a heavy eave, a curled roof, hexagonal flying eaves, and dougong brackets (斗拱) with soaring beams. The four walls have circular windows and the pavilion includes passageways with rounded doors on the east and west, surrounded by a winding corridor that is beautifully designed, novel, and quite spectacular. In 1983, Xishan Pavilion was designated as a cultural heritage site in Honghe County.
Location and Geographical Context
Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) is situated in the southern part of Yunnan Province (云南省) on the Yungui Plateau (云贵高原). The region features diverse topography, including limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, basin areas, and hills, with significant elevation changes. The area experiences ample rainfall and abundant sunlight, with a small temperature variation throughout the year. The climate is predominantly a subtropical highland monsoon climate.
- Chinese Name: 迤萨西山阁 (Xishan Pavilion)
- Geographical Location: 红河县迤萨镇西山公园 (Xishan Park, Yisa Town, Honghe County)
- Area: 106 m²
- Height: Approximately 10 meters
Due to the Tropic of Cancer passing through the prefecture, temperatures and humidity increase from north to south, resulting in a humid and hot climate. The rainy season in Honghe Prefecture occurs mainly from May to October, while the frost period lasts from late November to February of the following year. Therefore, when traveling to Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, it is best to avoid the hot and rainy summer and autumn months, with optimal travel times being March to April and September to November when the weather is milder and rainfall is lower.
Architectural Features
The pavilion is characterized by its wooden structure with:
- Heavy eaves and a curled roof.
- Hexagonal flying eaves.
- Beautifully designed circular windows in all four walls.
- Winding corridors that enhance the visual appeal of the pavilion.
Opening Hours
- Daily: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Scenic Spot Location
- Address: 654401, Yisa Town, Honghe County, Yunnan Province (云南省红河县迤萨镇654401)
How to Get There
To reach Xishan Pavilion in Honghe County, you can travel by road:
- From Kunming (昆明): Take a bus or drive, covering approximately 280 kilometers.
- From Mengzi City (蒙自市): The distance is about 115 kilometers, accessible by bus or car.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip during March to April or September to November for more pleasant weather conditions.
- Local Culture: Respect local customs and traditions while visiting the pavilion and surrounding areas.
- Transportation: Public buses connect Yisa Town with nearby towns. Renting a bicycle or using local transportation is advisable for further exploration.
- Accommodation: Consider booking your stay in advance, as lodging options may be limited. Staying in Honghe County offers more choices.
- Environmental Awareness: Help preserve the beauty of Xishan Pavilion and its surroundings by disposing of waste properly and respecting the natural environment.
