Dragon Pavilion in Kaifeng

The Dragon Pavilion, was the site of the imperial palace of the Northern Song Dynasty. In 1378, in the reign of Emperor Hong Wu of the Ming Dynasty, a residence for Prince Zhou was built on the site. Later in 1692 in the reign of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty, a Pavilion of Longevity was erected, which was named" The Dragon Pavilion," for inside stands a monument bearing the inscriptions of "Long Life to the Emperor."It was enlarged into "The Palace of Longevity" in 1734 in the reign of Emperor Yong Zheng. The existing pavilion was the main hall of the palace. It was erected on a huge brick-base, 13 meters high, with spacious carved stone terraces in the front.