Jade Emperor Pavilion (Yuhuangge) in Mengzi City, Honghe
Overview
Jade Emperor Pavilion (Yuhuangge, 玉皇阁) is an ancient structure located in Mengzi City (蒙自市), Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It was first built in the sixth year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty (明万历六年, 1578) and covers an area of 393 square meters.
Architectural Features
The pavilion is a three-tiered, hip-roofed wooden structure that combines the “chuandou” (穿斗) and “tailiang” (抬梁) beam systems. It features a thatched roof and has a side corridor. The square wooden pavilion stands about 20 meters tall, with a width and depth of 19.80 meters. It includes five levels of steps leading to a platform, and the brackets and column heads are decorated with intricate carvings, characteristic of Ming Dynasty architecture.
On either side of the Jade Emperor Pavilion, there are two smaller pavilions built during the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty (清雍正年间), both with double-eave hip roofs and similar structural styles.
In recognition of its cultural significance, on October 7, 2019, the pavilion was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Historical Development
The Jade Emperor Pavilion was constructed in the sixth year of the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1578). The adjacent Jianyang Guild Hall (建阳会馆) was established in the 35th year of the Qianlong era (1770) and was rebuilt in the 29th year of the Guangxu era (1903).
Building Layout
The pavilion consists of:
- Three tiers of hip roofs, combining the chuandou and tailiang structures.
- A total height of approximately 20 meters.
- Three main openings and three inner sections, all with dimensions of 19.80 meters.
- It has five levels of steps, unique bracket sets, and substantial timber that emphasizes its simplistic yet robust design, reflecting the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty.
The two smaller pavilions flanking the main pavilion also follow a double-eave hip-roof design, echoing the styles of the early Qing Dynasty.
Cultural Relics
Inside the Jade Emperor Pavilion, there is a bell cast in the second year of the Jiajing era (嘉靖二年, 1523) by Zhang Qingxi (张清喜), which is approximately four feet tall and eight feet in circumference. Other notable artifacts include inscriptions from the fifth year of the Yongli era (永历五年, 1651) and a memorial tablet from the 26th year of the Kangxi era (康熙二十六年, 1627).
Protection Measures
As of October 7, 2019, the Jade Emperor Pavilion has been recognized and protected as a national key cultural relic unit.
Location
The Jade Emperor Pavilion is located near No. 20, People’s East Road (人民东路), Mengzi City, Yunnan Province.
Address
Yuhuangge, No. 27, People’s East Road (人民东路27号), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Mengzi City (蒙自市).
How to Get There
To reach the Jade Emperor Pavilion:
- By Car: From Guizhou, take the Lukun Expressway (泸昆高速), Naxing Expressway (纳兴高速), Shankun Expressway (汕昆高速), Weiyan Expressway (威砚高速), Luyi Expressway (泸弥高速), and Kaihe Expressway (开河高速) to arrive at the pavilion.
Travel Tips
- Timing: Visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and surrounding scenery, but remember to respect the site’s significance and the privacy of any visitors.
- Local Cuisine: Explore nearby eateries to sample local dishes that reflect the region’s culinary heritage.
- Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs and practices, particularly in religious areas.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water, especially if you’re exploring on a warm day.
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