Yingzhou Pavilion of Mengzi Nanhu

Mengzi Nanhu is located in the southern part of Wenlan Town, Mengzi County, Honghe Prefecture, hence the name 'Nanhu' (South Lake). It is formed by the accumulation of rainwater and was formerly known as Caohu or Caopi. During the Ming Dynasty, it was developed into a weir pond, and three earthen hills were piled up in the lake, named Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou Islands, respectively, becoming a gathering place for literati and scholars, also known as the 'Sea of Learning'. The famous Yunnan dish 'Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles' is said to have originated here, making it a great place for people to visit and relax. There is also an ancient pavilion with a long history here—Yingzhou Pavilion. In the 29th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, Wang Laigui, the prefect of Amiss Prefecture, acted as the administrator of Mengzi County. He donated funds to dredge Guoquan Spring, diverted water into the lake, and built the north dam. The grateful citizens built a pavilion on the east side of the lake, originally named Yingxian Pavilion. It was rebuilt in the 14th year of Emperor Guangxu's reign and renamed Yingzhou Pavilion. The pavilion is 22.4 meters tall, with a wooden hexagonal spire and triple eaves tower structure, using 30 columns, including 6 through columns, forming a cup-shaped beam frame. The brackets are stacked, with glass-colored tiles, exquisitely decorated, standing between the blue water and green trees. It is currently a cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan Province. Friends who are interested can come to Mengzi to have a look.