Jiutian Pavillion in Kaiyuan City, Honghe

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Jiutian Pavilion (九天阁) is located in the core area of Nanzheng Street (南正街) Historic and Cultural Block in Kaiyuan City (开远市), Yunnan Province. Originally known as Kuixing Pavilion (魁星阁) of the Ami Wenchang Palace (阿迷文昌宫) complex, it was first built in the 6th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1728). It was renovated during the Guangxu reign and renamed Jiutian Pavilion in the early Republic of China, a name that has been used ever since. The structure is a three-story palace-style building with double-eaved, hip-and-gable roofs, offering panoramic views of the entire basin. In 1983, it was designated as a protected cultural relic of Kaiyuan City.

As the core cultural relic of the Nanzheng Street Historic and Cultural Block renovation project, Jiutian Pavilion underwent protective restoration in 2017, preserving its historical appearance. Integrated with the newly built cultural square and pedestrian street, it now serves modern cultural and tourism functions. Together with the former site of Ami County Middle School (阿迷县立中学), it forms a landmark historical architectural complex of Kaiyuan City, serving as a vital carrier of the city’s memory.

Location: Nanzheng Street (南正街), Kaiyuan City (开远市), Yunnan Province
Construction Year: 6th year of Yongzheng reign (1728)
Protection Status: Kaiyuan City Protected Cultural Relic (announced in 1983)
Architectural Style: Three-story palace-style structure with double-eaved hip-and-gable roofs
Renaming: Early Republic of China period
Scenic Area: Nanzheng Street (南正街) Historic and Cultural Block

Historical Evolution

Jiutian Pavilion was first built in 1728 during the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty as Kuixing Pavilion (魁星阁) within the Ami Wenchang Palace complex, serving both sacrificial and viewing functions. It underwent major renovation during the Guangxu reign, shaping its present structure. In the early Republic of China, it was renamed “Jiutian Pavilion,” continuing its role as a cultural landmark. In 1983, the People’s Government of Kaiyuan City listed it as a city-level protected cultural relic.

Architectural Features

• Main building: three-story palace-style structure with double-eaved, hip-and-gable roofs.
• Platform foundation with winding design; distinct upward-curved eaves.
• Exterior retains Qing Dynasty carved window and door patterns; interior showcases traditional timber-frame craftsmanship.
• As a tall structure during the Ami Prefecture period, it was a popular spot for viewing the panoramic scenery of Kaiyuan Basin.

Cultural Relic Protection

In 2017, as part of the Nanzheng Street Historic and Cultural Block renovation project, Jiutian Pavilion was restored under the principle of “repair the old as it was.” Restoration focused on roof tiles, wooden structures, and painted decorations. The project integrated Jiutian Pavilion with 38.11 mu of surrounding public land, including a cultural square and pedestrian street, blending cultural heritage with modern commercial functions. By 2023, the block had formed a cultural tourism route centered on Jiutian Pavilion, attracting an average daily visitor flow of over 10,000.

Block Planning

• Renovation area: north to Lingquan West Road (灵泉西路), south to Renmin South Road (人民南路), covering a total of 78.79 mu.
• Commercial district: 13 low-rise Republic of China–style buildings, harmonizing with Jiutian Pavilion’s historical appearance.
• Cultural center, traditional snack shops, and other facilities arranged around Jiutian Pavilion to enhance cultural tourism experience.
• In 2022, the upgraded street block was completed, with Jiutian Pavilion Cultural Square becoming a major leisure venue for citizens.