Dragon Pavilion
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The Dragon Pavilion, in Kaifeng, in China’s Henan Province has a long and colorful history. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the area was the headquarters of the Border General of the Xuanwu Army. In the Later Liang Dynasty (907-923), it was reconstructed into an imperial palace and during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it was taken over by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang’s son, Zhudi, and was rebuilt into his imperial mansion. The nearby Yellow River constantly threatened the mansion with flooding and the mansion was home to many memorial tablets to former Emperors. The Dragon Pavilion was built to protect the tablets from the Yellow River. This is the reason for the pavilion’s unique foundation which is 13 meters above ground level.
Dragon Pavilion’s architecture is very impressive. A 72 step stone staircase leads up to the entrance of the pavilion. In the center of the hall is a large carving of a dragon. The hall’s ceiling is made of yellow glazed tiles, because it was the color of the emperor in China’s past. On either side of the main room are 8 smaller rooms.
The mansion has been lost to the ravages of time, but the legend of the Dragon Pavilion has lived on. The current Dragon Pavilion is a recreation of the original and is the centerpiece of Dragon Pavilion Park. The park, which occupies an area of more than 80 hectares, the majority of which is covered by two lakes, is a beautiful place. The two lakes, named the Family Pan Lake and Family Yang Lake have a unique story. The Family Pan Lake is always muddy and the Family Yang Lake is always clear. They are likened to two government official who served during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127); Pan Renmei and Yang Jiye. Pan Renmei was a treacherous official, while Yang Jiye was honest and upright.
There are several other buildings and ruins in the park. The Wu (Noon) Gate, Yudai (Jade Belt), bridge, and the Chao (Wise, Benevolent Spirit) Houses are located on either side of the Imperial Road, the central road which bisects the entire area. The Ruins of the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Palace, the North Gate and the East Gate are of particular interest.
