Daci Pavilion, Baoding

Daci Pavilion is located on the north side of Yuhua Road in Baoding, Hebei Province, and is the tallest ancient building in the city. According to records, it was built in the Jin Dynasty (AD 1227) and was commissioned by Zhang Rou, Duke of Cai in the Yuan Dynasty.

Daci Pavilion is a magnificent complex of ancient buildings, facing south. The pavilion features three tiers of double eaves and a hipped roof with grey tiles. The ground floor measures five bays wide and three bays deep. Climbing to the top of the three-story pavilion offers a panoramic view of Baoding.

Covering an area of 1,600 square meters with a building area of 600 square meters, the existing main structures include the Mountain Gate, Heavenly Kings Hall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Daci Pavilion, and Guandi Temple.

In front of the Heavenly Kings Hall stands a pair of stone lions, and above the doorway hangs a horizontal plaque inscribed with 'Zhenjue Chan Temple'. Inside the hall, traces remain on the beams of a color painting from the 16th year of the Jiaqing reign of the Qing Dynasty (AD 1811), featuring dragon motifs in ink lines with tiny gold dots. Passing through the Heavenly Kings Hall, you will see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower standing symmetrically to the east and west, while directly ahead rises the main building – Daci Pavilion.