Cuiguang Pavilion is located within Liulang Wenying Park in Hangzhou. It features an elegant and solemn design with an open and spacious view. According to historical records, during the Southern Song Dynasty, emperors such as Gaozong, Xiaozong, and Lizong would embark and disembark from their dragon boats at Cuiguang Pavilion while touring West Lake. Similarly, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty and Empress Dowager of Qianlong also disembarked here when visiting West Lake. Therefore, Cuiguang Pavilion is truly deserving of its title as the ‘Imperial Wharf.’
The Cuiguang Pavilion seen today is a faithful reconstruction based on ancient texts and paintings from 2002. It accurately replicates the appearance of the imperial wharf and the pavilion of that era and is rebuilt within Liulang Wenying Park. This addition enriches the cultural landscape along the southern shore of West Lake. The restored Cuiguang Pavilion stands majestically on the West Lake boat dock, resplendent in gold and splendor. An inscription on the pavilion’s columns reads: ‘Emerald willows dance in the clear sky, orioles weave through the layers of green; the breeze of Cuiguang brushes the misty waters, oars lift the fish-scale waves.’ This highlights the pavilion’s position amidst the lake’s scenery and the依依垂柳, adding infinite grace and charm to West Lake. It is open all year round and accessible every day.
