Autumn-Admiring Pavilion

The Autumn-Admiring Pavilion is a heritage pavilion in Yuelu District with two stories of overhanging roofs supported by eight granite columns and topped with green glazed tiles. Its design reflects traditional Chinese architectural methods and materials used in construction.

The structure was built in 1792 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong and originally carried the name Red Leaves Pavilion. It was later renamed by Bi Yuan, the Viceroy of Huguang, to reflect its purpose of viewing autumn scenery.

The pavilion ranks among the four major pavilions of the Jiangnan region and holds a respected place in Chinese architectural history. Visitors come to see how such structures were designed to celebrate natural beauty and seasonal changes.

The structure sits at 58 Denggao Road in Changsha and can be explored in roughly 30 to 60 minutes depending on your interest in its architectural details. Wear comfortable shoes as reaching both levels involves climbing stairs.

The second floor houses a red stele bearing an inscription from Mao Zedong written in 1952 that displays the pavilion's name. The stone also features an engraved nature-themed couplet carved into its surface.