Penglai Pavilion

蓬莱阁

Family Documentary

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Synopsis

Penglai Water City in Yantai, Shandong, was first built in the sixth year of the Jiayou era of the Northern Song Dynasty. It is one of the four famous ancient towers in China, associated with the legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea and the mirage phenomenon. It is a 5A-level scenic area.

Overview

Penglai Pavilion, situated atop Danya Peak in Penglai District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, is one of the Four Great Towers of ancient China (alongside the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, Yueyang Tower in Hunan, and Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang, Jiangxi).

The main structure of Penglai Pavilion was built in the 6th year of the Jiayou era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1061 AD), boasting a history of over 900 years. The pavilion is 15 meters high, a double-story wooden structure facing south.

In 1982, Penglai Water City and Penglai Pavilion were jointly announced by the State Council as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. It is now among the first batch of national 5A-level tourist attractions.

Penglai Pavilion is renowned both domestically and internationally for the legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea and the mirage phenomenon, often referred to as a "fairyland."

History

Penglai Pavilion was first built in 1061 during the Northern Song Dynasty. Since the Song Dynasty, it has undergone repairs and expansions in various dynasties.

Penglai has long been an important port on the Maritime Silk Road. Tang Dynasty poets such as Luo Binwang, Li Bai, Gao Shi, and Meng Haoran all left poems here.

Penglai Pavilion is closely linked to the legend of the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea. It is said that the Eight Immortals crossed the sea here, each displaying their magical powers, leaving behind a widely celebrated mythological story.

Key Attractions

Attraction	Description
Penglai Pavilion	Main structure, built in 1061 (Northern Song)
Penglai Water City	Ming Dynasty anti-pirate water fortress, National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit since 1982
Qi Jiguang Memorial Hall	Commemorates the anti-pirate general Qi Jiguang
Wind Shelter Pavilion	Unique architectural structure that blocks sea winds
Danya Mountain	Penglai Pavilion is located atop Danya Peak

Practical Information

Item	Details
Location	No. 7 Yingbin Road, Penglai District, Yantai City, Shandong Province
Rating	5A-level Tourist Attraction
Ticket Price	100 RMB/person
Initial Construction	1061 (Northern Song Dynasty)
Pavilion Height	15 meters
Notable Features	Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, Mirage

Cultural Significance

Penglai Pavilion, along with the Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, and Tengwang Pavilion, is known as one of the Four Great Towers of ancient China.

Among the Ten Scenes of Penglai, the best viewing spots for the scenes "Pavilion Soaring in the Clouds" and "Fishing Songs on the Liang" are at Penglai Pavilion.

Item	Data
Initial Construction	1061 (Northern Song Dynasty)
National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit	1982
5A-level Scenic Area	Among the first batch
Four Great Towers	Penglai Pavilion, Yellow Crane Tower, Yueyang Tower, Tengwang Pavilion