The Red Plum Pavilion is located in the southeast corner of Hongmei Park in Changzhou city. The existing structure was rebuilt in the 26th year of the Guangxu period (1900). The inscription on the stele from the 26th year of Guangxu period, ‘Record of the Reconstruction of Red Plum Pavilion’, states: ‘The pavilion stands at a height of over six zhang, with gold and jade interwoven in splendor. Standing in majestic opposition is the Jiulian Pavilion of Tianning. The north window is wide open, revealing the green bamboo and red plums in between. The flowers are like falling snow, and the fragrance is refreshing to the core. The curious often linger in reverie, unwilling to depart.’
The pavilion is built on a 2-meter-high earth platform, with a brick and wood structure, double eaves, and a hip roof. It features a surrounding corridor, bracket sets, and upturned corners, creating an imposing presence. The pavilion stands 17 meters tall and is divided into two levels. Originally, it was surrounded by walls, which have now been replaced by stone railings. At the southern end, there is a stone archway with cloud and crane patterns, with stone steps below, serving as the entrance and exit. The archway is inscribed with ‘Key Path to Heaven’, dated to the Chongzhen era of the Ming dynasty; the couplets on the stone pillars read ‘The way has a source, establishing words, deeds, and virtues; Work has no pause, aspiring to be virtuous, sage-like, and heavenly.’ Originally, the courtyard in front of the pavilion was planted with red plums and green bamboo, earning it the title ‘The Grand Beauty of Changzhou’, ‘As if in a Fairy Capital’. It is open all year round from 9:00 to 17:00.Red Plum Pavilion
The Red Plum Pavilion is located in the southeast corner of Hongmei Park in Changzhou city. The exis[...]
