Laihe Pavillion in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
Laihe Pavilion, originally named Haishan Pavilion (海山亭), is located in Xiaoruicheng Village (小瑞城村), Yilong Town (异龙镇), Shiping County (石屏县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It was built in the sixth year of the Chongzhen era during the Ming Dynasty (明崇祯六年, 1633).
Laihe Pavilion faces east and covers an area of 104.4 square meters. It is constructed in a unique octagonal wooden structure with a single eave and a spire roof. The pavilion’s architectural design cleverly connects it to the back wall of the Wenchang Pavilion (文昌阁), eliminating the need for two corners on the west side, making it a rare and uniquely styled structure. In front of the pavilion is Yuhua Terrace (雨花台), with side rooms connected to Wenchang Pavilion. The inscriptions, plaques, and statues on Laihe Pavilion reflect deep historical and cultural significance, along with artistic value.
On March 5, 2013, Laihe Pavilion was announced by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院) as one of the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units.
Historical Background
- Construction: Laihe Pavilion was originally constructed in 1633 during the Ming Dynasty.
- Reconstruction: It was rebuilt in the twelfth year of the Kangxi era during the Qing Dynasty (清康熙十二年, 1673).
- Further Developments: The Kuixing Pavilion (魁星阁) was established in the fifty-second year of the Kangxi era (清康熙五十二年, 1713).
- Renovation: In 2023, the Honghe Cultural and Tourism Bureau (红河州文化和旅游局) repaired Laihe Pavilion.
Architectural Features
Laihe Pavilion is an octagonal wooden structure, measuring 12 meters in width and 6 meters in depth, with a height of 8 meters. The base is made of earth with edges lined with bluestone and brick flooring. It utilizes six short columns with bracket sets that support the eaves. In front of the pavilion is Yuhua Terrace.
Main Buildings
- Pavilion: Width of 7.3 meters, depth of 6 meters, and height of 8 meters.
- Side Rooms: Symmetrically arranged on the north and south; for example, the southern room measures 3.5 meters in width, 3 meters in depth, and 3.5 meters in height.
- Wenchang Pavilion: Located to the west of Laihe Pavilion, it measures 10.7 meters in width, 5 meters in depth, and 13.5 meters in height.
- Kuixing Pavilion: Situated along the central axis to the west, measuring 9.4 meters in width, 9 meters in depth, and 12 meters in height.
Cultural Significance
Laihe Pavilion is adorned with a horizontal plaque inscribed with its name, and it features couplets by famous individuals. A statue of Lü Chunyang (吕纯阳) riding a crane and playing the flute is displayed inside. The southern side holds a stele titled “The First Pavilion Under Heaven,” comparing Laihe Pavilion with other renowned scenic spots and expressing a love for the hometown.
Historical Value
The inscriptions, plaques, and sculptures on Laihe Pavilion possess profound historical and cultural connotations and artistic value.
Preservation Status
- 1991: Designated as a second batch of county-level cultural relic protection units by the Shiping County People’s Government (石屏县人民政府).
- 1998: Recognized as a fifth batch of provincial-level cultural relic protection units by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government (云南省人民政府).
- 2013: Announced as a seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Travel Information
Location
Laihe Pavilion is located 150 meters south of Xiaoruicheng, Yilong Town, Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
How to Get There
Laihe Pavilion is approximately 3.7 kilometers from the Shiping County People’s Government. Visitors can reach it by car or on foot.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The pavilion is best visited in spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant.
- Nearby Attractions: Consider exploring other historical sites in Shiping County after visiting Laihe Pavilion.
- Photography: The unique architecture and surrounding landscape provide great opportunities for photography.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes in nearby restaurants for a complete cultural experience.
