Located within the West Market scenic area, the Three-Inch Golden Lotus Pavilion is a rare exhibition hall themed around the history of foot-binding. Here, visitors can see hundreds of bound-foot shoes from different periods and regions of China, along with numerous images and foot-binding tools, all accompanied by detailed textual explanations that recount a chapter in the history of Chinese women. The name ‘Golden Lotus’ is believed to originate from the story of Pan Fei, a consort of the Eastern Emperor of the Southern Dynasties, who was said to step on lotus flowers with each step. Subsequently, the term was used to distinguish the nobility and beauty based on the size of the bound feet, with those less than three inches being called ‘Golden Lotus,’ those within four inches ‘Silver Lotus,’ and those larger than four inches ‘Iron Lotus.’ The Golden Lotus thus became a synonym for small bound feet and later a general term for bound-foot shoes. When visitors arrive at the Three-Inch Golden Lotus Pavilion, they may admire the exquisite embroidery on the Golden Lotus shoes, but more often express a sigh of reflection on the morbid history of foot-binding. Comparing the gender equality of today with the shocking photographs of the past, one may gain a deeper understanding of the former joys and tears of Chinese women. The pavilion is open all year round from 09:00 to 17:00.
The Three-Inch Golden Lotus Pavilion
Located within the West Market scenic area, the Three-Inch Golden Lotus Pavilion is a rare exhibitio[...]
