Meishan · Passing by Yuanjing Building

Attracted by Yuanjing Building as a landmark of Meishan, it is also one of the tallest and largest ancient-style building complexes in the country. Historically, it was built under the supervision of the governor of Meizhou during the Northern Song Dynasty. It was damaged by wars during the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and was restored during the Qianlong era of the Qing dynasty. Su Dongpo's 'Record of Yuanjing Building in Meizhou' praises the current prefect, Lord Li Xi Sheng, as a friend of the gentlemen. Simple yet cultured, firm yet benevolent, clear-minded without being meticulous, everyone thought these were easy tasks. As his term was about to end, they couldn't bear to see him leave and unanimously asked him to stay. The emperor did not deny their request. After staying for three years, the people's trust increased, and there were no more troubles. Therefore, he built the Yuanjing Building on the northern rampart of the governor's residence, where he would spend days with guests and officials. At that time, I was in Xuzhou, and the people of my province would always mention Lord Li's kindness in their letters and asked for a written record. Looking up at the 13-story, 80-meter-tall main building from Binhu Road, it faces Dongpo Wetland Park across Dongpo Lake. It inevitably reminds one of Du Fu's Jiang Pavilion, Tengwang Pavilion, and Yuewang Building. However, what is astonishing is that unlike these riverfront pavilions, which are arranged with poetry, history, and city culture exhibitions on each floor, the building is rented out for hotels and various commercial uses. It feels oddly out of place, even reminiscent of Guanyinqiao Hongding International. With confusion, it's time to leave.