Zhunti Pavillion in Shiping County, Honghe
Overview
Zhunti Pavilion (准提阁, Zhunti Gé) is a historic structure located on Zhuquan Street (珠泉街, Zhūquán Jiē) in Shiping County (石屏县, Shípíng Xiàn), Yunnan Province, China. Established during the Qing Dynasty (清, Qīng), specifically in the Shunzhi era (顺治, Shùnzhì), the pavilion is a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The primary building that remains today was constructed during the Guangxu period (光绪, Guāngxù). In 1923, the establishment of Shiping Middle School (石屏中学, Shípíng Zhōngxué) within the pavilion marked an important development in local education.
Architectural Structure
Zhunti Pavilion consists of several key components, including:
- Main Gate (大门, Dàmén)
- Second Gate (二门, Èrmén)
- Tianzun Hall (天尊殿, Tiānzūn Diàn)
- Zhunti Pavilion itself (准提阁, Zhunti Gé)
The pavilion features a double-eaved hip roof (重檐歇山顶, Chóngyán Xiēshān Dǐng) and a wooden beam structure that combines both the lifting beam (抬梁式, Táiláng Shì) and the purlin (穿斗, Chuāndǒu) methods. It has a total width of 19.5 meters and a depth of 14.4 meters, with east and west corridors (廊, Láng). The Qihe Tower (企鹤楼, Qǐhè Lóu), with its four eaves and hip roof, was constructed in the early Republic of China period (民国, Mínguó) alongside the main gate. Inside, various inscriptions from prominent figures, including Tu Rizhuo (涂日卓), Tang Jiyao (唐继尧), and Chen Rongchang (陈荣昌), adorn the walls. In 1983, the pavilion was officially recognized as a cultural relic protection unit in Shiping County.
Historical Background
The ancient city of Shiping is famously said to be built on a giant turtle-shaped rock, a legend that has persisted for over a thousand years. During the Xia (夏), Shang (商), and Zhou (周) dynasties, Shiping was part of Liangzhou (梁州) within the Nine Provinces of China. In pre-Qin times, it belonged to the state of Chu (楚), and during the Han Dynasty (汉), it was part of Yizhou’s Shengxiu County (益州胜休县), referred to as “Jiu Xin” (旧欣) in the Western Han period.
In the Tang Dynasty (唐) under the Tianbao era (天宝), local Yi (彝族) leaders, specifically Wumei Man (乌么蛮), constructed a castle on Moshou Island (末束岛) in the northwest of Yilong Lake (异龙湖), initially naming it Shiping Yi (石坪邑). The city was later relocated to the western shore of Yilong Lake, where it remains today. During the Ming Dynasty (明) Hongwu era (洪武), it was renamed Shiping (石平), and in the early Republic of China, it was further changed to Shiping (石屏).
Historical records note that during the Three Kingdoms period, there was already a belief in the giant turtle rock beneath Shiping. The Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi record mentions that Zhuge Liang passed through the area and described the turtle rock.
Notable Educational Institutions
The school established within Zhunti Pavilion was named “Shiping County Middle School” (石屏县立中学校) in 1923. It was renamed “Yunnan Provincial Shiping Middle School” (云南省立石屏中学校) in August 1933, and by 1939 it had become “Yunnan Provincial Shiping Normal School” (云南省石屏师范学校), which included a junior high school. In 1950, it merged with Shiping County United Middle School, and by 1952, it was officially called “Yunnan Provincial Shiping No. 1 Middle School” (云南省石屏县第一中学).
This institution has produced many distinguished individuals, including:
- Chen Fujin (陈福今), former central committee member and deputy president of the National Academy of Administration.
- Li Jiateng (李嘉廷), former governor of Yunnan Province.
- Yang Yuanwei (杨元恺), a senior engineer from the Ministry of Aviation Industry.
- Yang Chunzhou (杨春洲), an educator and photographer.
- Li Qiao (李乔), a writer of the Yi nationality.
Unique Geological Features
The ancient city of Shiping is uniquely positioned above a massive rock formation. Geological studies confirm that the city is indeed built on stone, and digging in the area can yield fresh springs. Local legends speak of interconnected underground water systems, with tales of buckets from one household appearing in another’s well.
One of the most fascinating features is an artificially carved pool located near Zhunti Pavilion, which showcases an extraordinary phenomenon. Water bubbles up through the stones, creating a spectacle known as “boiling pearl spring” (沸珠泉). This attraction draws numerous visitors, with its sound resembling applause, welcoming guests.
Cultural Significance
The unique geological features and rich history have made Shiping a cultural hotspot. The ancient streets and alleyways are filled with historical architecture, including over ten temples. The layout of the city, with its winding streets and interconnected courtyards, reflects the region’s traditional architectural style.
Numerous notable scholars and officials emerged from Shiping over the centuries. The phrase “Five steps, three scholars; opposite the door, two Hanlin” highlights the area’s educational prestige, with many scholars having grown up in this culturally rich environment.
How to Get There
To reach Zhunti Pavilion in Shiping County, you can:
- By Bus: Regular buses operate from major cities in Yunnan to Shiping County.
- By Car: If driving, follow the main highways leading to Shiping and look for signs directing you to Zhuquan Street.
- By Train: The nearest railway station can be accessed, and then take local transport to the pavilion.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) provide the best weather for exploring the area.
- Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide can enhance your understanding of the historical and cultural significance of the pavilion and surrounding areas.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings.
- Respect the Site: Be mindful of the historical significance, and avoid damaging any structures or artifacts.
