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Tianxin Pavilion
Introducing Tianxin Pavilion
Tianxin Pavilion is a renowned historic landmark built on the ancient city wall of Changsha. Tianxin Pavilion is located in the Tianxin Park. Originally serving as an astronomical observatory, the Pavilion is renowned for its striking three-story main structure, offering panoramic views of Changsha. Its elevated position was believed to align with the heart of the heavens, channeling celestial energy through the wall and into the pavilion, thus promising a flourishing future for literary arts.
The surrounding park encompasses scenic gardens, historical relics such as remnants of the ancient city wall, Chonglie Monument and Chonglie Gate, statues commemorating soldiers of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and various other cultural attractions. This unique combination of historical significance, cultural richness, and scenic beauty attracts a diverse range of visitors.
Tianxin Pavilion Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Tianxinge 天心阁
• Area: 846 square meters
• Best Time to Visit: March to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Chinese History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 22:00
• Entrance Fee: Free (Park Entrance), Tianxin Pavilion: CNY30 (8:00 – 17:00), CNY58 (18:00 – 21:30)
• Address: No. 17 Tianxin Road, Tianxin District, Changsha, Hunan Province
What to Expect at Tianxin Pavilion
Recognized as one of the “Ten Iconic Towers and Pavilions of China”, Tianxin Pavilion is a great place for a stroll, offering a break from urban skyscrapers and a glimpse into the heart and soul of Changsha.
The Tainxin Pavilion
Perched atop the ancient city wall, Tianxin Pavilion commands a prominent position, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The complex is designed in an arc, reminiscent of a bird with outstretched wings, formed by a central, three-story main pavilion (14.6 meters/48 ft tall) and two smaller, two-story flanking pavilions (10 meters/32.8 ft tall) to the north and south, connected by covered walkways.
The pavilion complex embodies the simple elegance of classical southern Chinese garden architecture. The main structure stands in dignified grandeur, distinguished by its cantilevered beams, a unique feature contrasting with traditional dougong brackets (unique structural element of traditional Chinese architecture). Cool whitewashed walls rise between the warm chestnut-tiled roof and columns, creating a striking visual contrast. Above, orange eaves curve gracefully upward, their corners lifting skyward. Thirty-two iron horse bells hang from the eaves of the flanking pavilions, their resonant chimes carried on the breeze.
The Ancient City Wall
The history of Changsha’s city walls dates back to the Warring States period (475-221 BC), over 2,200 years ago. In 202 BC, Wu Rui, a Qin official, played a crucial role in helping Liu Bang (founder and first emperor of the Han Dynasty) overthrow the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). He rallied his people to support Liu’s cause, and as a reward for his service, Wu Rui was named King of Changsha and established the Kingdom of Changsha. He then constructed the city’s first earthen wall, marking the official founding of the city and solidifying its importance. In subsequent dynasties, these earthen walls were renovated and strengthened with brick and stone.
Unfortunately, much of Changsha’s ancient wall was demolished in 1920s to make way for a ring road. However, after considerable debate, a section beneath Tianxin Pavilion was preserved. This 251-meter-long (0.15 miles), 13.4-meter-high (44 ft) remnant, with a top width of 6.1 meters (20 ft), stands as a precious relic of Changsha’s past. Its imposing ramparts, battlements, and cannon embrasures serve as silent witnesses to the city’s long and rich history.
Yuecheng (Fortified Outpost)
Known as yuecheng (literally “moon city”), these crescent-shaped enclosures were crucial components of ancient Chinese city defenses. Positioned just outside the main city gates, they shielded the entrances and strengthened the city’s fortifications.
The yuecheng below Tianxin Pavilion encompassed roughly 500 square meters and could hold hundreds of soldiers. During combat, these enclosures provided a secure area where troops could rest, regroup, and improve their combat effectiveness. When the Taiping Army attacked Changsha in 1852 (part of the Taiping Rebellion, a civil war against the Qing Dynasty), they mistook the towering Tianxin Pavilion for a city gate and focused their attack there, wasting valuable time and resources. This tactical blunder highlights the strategic and defensive importance of the yuecheng, which ultimately contributed to Changsha’s successful defense.
The Taiping Army Sculpture
The “Soul of the Taiping Army” sculpture powerfully evokes the ferocity of the 1852 battle for Changsha, where the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom army clashed with imperial forces. The sculpture centers on the heroic death of the West King, Xiao Chaogui, depicting him leading the charge on horseback, sword raised in defiance. Hewn from reddish granite, the six-meter (20 ft) sculpture vividly captures the Taiping soldiers falling in battle in a desperate struggle for victory. The intricate details of the soldiers’ expressions and weaponry underscore the Taiping Army’s indomitable spirit against overwhelming odds.
Chonglie Gate
The Chonglie Gate, erected in 1946, is a granite archway commemorating the soldiers who died in the three Battles of Changsha during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Standing 8.5 meters (27 ft) wide and 5.9 meters (20 ft) high, this solemn and imposing structure features couplets that extol the patriotic spirit and noble integrity of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country.
Chonglie Monument
The Chonglie Monument, also known as the White Pagoda, commemorates the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, a period of immense suffering and loss for both the Chinese and Japanese people. Standing 6.6 meters (21.65 ft) tall, this granite structure features a hexagonal base and a body composed of stacked circular discs and a cylinder. A sphere representing the Earth, etched with a map of China, rests atop the cylinder. Crowning the monument is a stone lion gazing into the distance, symbolizing China’s territorial integrity and its commitment to lasting peace.
How to Get to Tianxin Pavilion
• By Bus: Take bus 69 to Shiziling Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 1 to Huangxingguangchang (Huangxin Square) Station.
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