Fourteen kilometers west of Menghai County on Jingzhen Hill in Xishuangbanna is an important cultural relic in the form of a tower-shaped pavilion. It is the Octagonal Pavilion.

The Octagonal Pavilion, a precious piece of architecture of Southwest China's Hinayana Buddhism, is exquisite, magnificent and unique. It is a symbol of the ancient Dai Nationality level of architectural art that can be discovered in Xishuangbanna.

Leading to the front gates of the Octagonal pavilion are wooden and then stone stairs. Vivid statues of a male lion and a holy dragon stand guard on either side of the main gates. In a private niche, carved above the arched front gates to this special place, sits a copper figure of Buddha, allowing for the sacrificial offerings. The two main gates display beautiful carvings of a Dai nationality sunflower and two dragons.

Originally built in 1701 AD, the Octagonal Pavilion was built by the Dai people. (1763 of the Dai Nationality's calendar) Built of brick and wood, it is believed that the shape of the pavilion reflects the Buddhist beliefs of the Dai people and is fashioned after the cap worn by the Buddha founder, Sakyamuni. The pavilion is 21meters high and the diameter of the foundation is 10 meters. It consists of five parts: the foundation, the body, the eaves, the sides and the ceiling. It has undergone three major repairs in its 300 year history.

One legend of the origin of the pavilion is that the dragon king, who lived under Jingzhen Hill, assigned eight black dragons to carry the treasure of the dragon palace, which was the Octagonal Pavilion on the surface of the water, to the hill.

Another legend, which is much more moving and considered more reliable, involves the traditional friendship felt between the Dai and Han Nationalities. The origin of the legend is from the Qing Dynasty. A Han traveler came to Jingzhen. He soon fell in love with the colorful scenery and people he found there. To commemorate his love for this beautiful place, he decided to build a memorable structure. With the agreement of the local Dai people the Han traveler designed and drew up plans for this astonishingly beautiful pavilion, prepared the materials needed and selected his craftsmen.

Just as the foundation was completed, the legend has the Han traveler receiving an urgent letter from his family, requiring him to return home. Leaving the unfinished pavilion, the traveler left Jingzhen for home, however, the pavilion never left the heart of the traveler. He asked a Dai Nationality friend to continue the project in his absence, assuring the completion of the Octagonal Palace. Still, the traveler could not return to see the finished pavilion. He then sent his servant with a rug to be placed on the central ground of the pavilion. It is of little surprise that the rug complimented the grounds and was an excellent fit to the structure. This unique structure is indeed a symbol of the traditional friendship felt between the Dai Nationality and the Han Nationality peoples.

Originally used for discussing business, the Octagonal Pavilion today is primarily used for Buddhist gatherings and ceremonies. On the fifteenth and thirtieth day of each month on the Dai Calendar, all the Buddha in the Jingzhen area gather to hear dignitaries teach the scriptures and decide on important religious issues and activities. It is in the Octagonal Pavilion that a monk can become a Buddha.

To travel to the Octagonal Pavilion, you can take the Mid-Bus from Jinghong city to Menghai County for about 10 Yuan per person. Tickets to tour the pavilion are currently 5 Yuan per person. Admission: RMB 5