Shanghai Doumu Pavilion: A Treasure of History and Culture
Shanghai, an international metropolis full of modern atmosphere, hides many historical and cultural relics under the hustle and bustle. Doumu Ge is one of the pearls that exudes unique charm, quietly telling stories of the past.
1、 Historical tracing
Doumu Ge is located at 2678 Qishen Road, Qibao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai, in the northeast corner of Qibao Campus of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Its founding year is like a mist, difficult to accurately verify. However, the traces of history guide us, as it is intricately linked to the tenth year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1671). At that time, Zhang Xiyi, Cao Chuichan, and Cao Chuicheng generously donated funds, and Taoist Cai Yuanyi raised funds everywhere, jointly promoting the construction of Doumu Pavilion. Afterwards, in the tenth year of the Jiaqing reign (1805), Qu Songxin presided over the reconstruction; In the sixth year of the Xianfeng reign (1851), it was renovated again; In the first year of the Tongzhi reign (1862), additional floors were added to gradually improve its scale and style. But time is merciless, and later Doumu Pavilion was unfortunately abandoned. Fortunately, its cultural value was valued and restored to its former glory.
2、 Architectural Features
The Doumu Pavilion is a two-story brick and wood structure, facing north and south, presenting a layout of “one main and two compartments”, with a width of five bays and connected left and right compartments. Its southern facade features white walls and gray tiles, with a courtyard in front and surrounded by left and right wing rooms, showcasing the gentle charm of typical Jiangnan dwellings; The rear multi story roof rises above the front building, with an octagonal upturn and high pecking eaves, exuding an extraordinary aura. The north facade features a two-story stage with a lively and lightweight design, exuding the elegance of Jiangnan gardens. The wood architrave is exquisitely carved. Ruyi arch of wooden architecture holds up the eaves, and the carved arch eye wall is exquisite. The top is like a double eaves resting mountain, covered with small green tiles. The overall architectural process is exquisite, and the carving is exquisite. Every detail shows the superb skills and ingenuity of ancient craftsmen.
3、 Cultural connotation
The Doumu Pavilion was originally built to worship the Taoist god Doumu. Dou Mu Shen is highly respected in Taoism and is the mother of the stars in the Big Dipper. Dou is her “soul” and water is her “essence”, and she is also known as “Dou Mu Yuan Jun.” Her statue usually has three sides and four heads, with four arms on each side. Later, during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty, the Doumu Pavilion was rebuilt into a stage, forming a unique pattern of “worshipping the Doumu God in front of the pavilion and performing for the City God behind the pavilion”. The transformation from religious worship sites to folk entertainment venues reflects the diverse integration of social culture at that time, as well as people’s dual pursuit of faith and entertainment, witnessing the inheritance and evolution of folk culture over time.
4、 Surrounding scenery
On the west side of Doumu Pavilion stand two ancient ginkgo trees dating back to the Song Dynasty, one tall and one low, like two loyal guards silently guarding Doumu Pavilion for thousands of years. They complement each other with the Doumu Pavilion, where the ancient ginkgo tree’s strength and simplicity complement the exquisite elegance of Doumu Pavilion, showcasing the profound artistic conception of Taoism’s “natural way” and making this ancient architectural area more serene and harmonious.
Shanghai Doumu Pavilion is not only an ancient building, but also a vivid historical book that carries history, culture, and art. It travels through the river of time, showcasing the glory and changes of the past to the world, and is worth exploring and guarding with our hearts.
