Pavilions

Welcome to this edition of China Lifestyle Journeys, the series that brings you chats, discussions and insights on all aspects of Chinese living. We will cover festivals, food, traditions, customs and much, much more. I’m your host Jocelyn… and I’m Mat, just an English guy with lots of questions.

So, Mat, what’s your big question today?

(Mat)

Hello and welcome to another episode of China Lifestyle Journeys! Today, we’re going to explore the topic of Chinese pavilions. Now, pavilions are a very typical Chinese architectural structure. I guess that most people have seen a pavilion but maybe they are not so familiar with the name “pavilion”. So, let’s start with a description.

(Jocelyn)

OK, a description, no problem! Chinese pavilions are these awesome architectural structures that you often come across in China (and possibly in other countries too, especially in parks or maybe in one of the Chinatowns around the world). They have special designs with open sides and lovely roofs held up by pillars. They can be built either of wood or stone or bamboo and may be in any of several plan figures - square, triangle, hexagon, octagon, a five-petal flower, a fan and so on. But all pavilions have one thing in common: they have columns to support the roof, but no walls.  As I said, you generally find them in parks, gardens, and other scenic spots where the environment is really peaceful and nice. And people can go to these pavilions to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. It’s a calm and quiet place where you can take a break, or think, or admire the beautiful views. Chinese pavilions are really important in Chinese culture and architecture, and they are loved by many people for their peacefulness and charm.

(Mat)

OK, so the function is like a covered platform where I can relax and enjoy scenery. So what’s the story and history behind these pavilions?

(Jocelyn)

OK, Chinese pavilions have a long and rich history that dates back thousands of years. They were initially built as part of palace complexes during ancient times, where emperors and nobles could go to relax and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings. Over time, pavilions became more accessible to the general public and were constructed in parks, gardens, and scenic areas. They served as gathering places for social activities, such as poetry recitals and tea ceremonies. And Chinese pavilions are not only architectural structures but also symbols of elegance and harmony with nature. They continue to be cherished today as cultural landmarks and places for contemplation and enjoyment.

(Mat)

As you know, I love a good story, so hopefully there’s a famous story or legend related to pavilions?

(Jocelyn)

Ah, yes! There is a famous story in Chinese literature called "The Peony Pavilion," which is closely associated with pavilions. It is a romantic and tragic tale written by Tang Xianzu during the Ming Dynasty (in the year 1598). The story follows the journey of a young woman named Du Liniang, who falls in love with a scholar in a dream after visiting a pavilion. And the dream becomes a profound experience that affects her deeply. “The Peony Pavilion” is considered a masterpiece of Chinese literature and highlights the significance of pavilions as settings for love, longing, and spiritual awakenings. It has captured the hearts of readers for centuries and continues to be celebrated as a cultural treasure in China.   

(Mat)

I’ve seen quite a few of these pavilion structures in public parks all over China. Are there any really famous ones with some kind of cultural or historical significance?

(Jocelyn)

Well obviously, there are some that are more or less famous or well-known but most pavilions are fairly common, very functional structures. They are intended to be used by people for everyday leisure activities, like singing in the park or playing traditional musical instruments, so they aren’t famous structures like towers or temples.  

So while most pavilions in public parks serve everyday leisure activities, there are a few notable ones with cultural or historical significance. One example is the Summer Palace in Beijing, which features the beautiful Marble Boat Pavilion. This pavilion is a unique structure made entirely of marble, and it has been a popular attraction for visitors to admire and explore.

Another famous pavilion is the Leshan Giant Buddha Pavilion in Sichuan Province. This pavilion sits at the foot of the majestic Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a stunning view of a colossal statue and the surrounding natural landscape.

(Mat)

Ah, that’s fascinating! I’ve actually been to the Summer Palace, but I didn't know about the Marble Boat Pavilion. I must have missed it. Next time, I’ll make sure I check it out.  

Well, that’s it for today. We hope you enjoyed this episode, thanks for listening. We hope to see you again next time. Until then, goodbye. Stay wise.

中华文明初期，穴居在由地下到地上的演进过程中，与长江流域的木构技术产生了双向的文化交流与渗透，形成了土木共济的建造体系。夯土、木构相结合的“茅茨土阶”构筑方式，既用于百姓的居所，也见于考古所发现的夏都二里头宫殿等重大建筑。春秋至秦汉，不仅秦咸阳宫、汉未央宫形制恢宏，楼阁台榭夯土高筑，见于后世的木构体系特征也已成型，包括抬梁、穿斗、井干三种木构形式，庑殿、歇山、悬山等屋顶样式。

魏晋南北朝至隋唐，建筑文化在民族大融合中交流汇集并得以显现。比如，佛教建筑中的寺院融入祠庙和宅邸，佛塔融入楼阁，经幢融入阙、表；汉族席地跪坐的起居方式逐渐改为垂足而坐，建筑内部的高度随之升高；观念上不再“度堂以筵，度室以几”，而是改用“间”作为室内空间的度量单位。自明代起，夏鲁寺、大昭寺等汉藏合璧建筑风格，在中原地区传播。在宋代制度化、典章化的基础上，清代的木构体系呈现更多的工巧意味。