Chu Tian Tai, also known as Chu Heavenly Pavilion (楚天台), stands proudly within the Moshan Scenic Area of Donghu (East Lake) in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. It serves as the iconic architectural symbol of Moshan, rivalling the grandeur of the three famous towers in southern China (Tengwang Pavilion, Yellow Crane Tower, and Yueyang Tower). Perched atop the second main peak of Moshan, Chu Tian Tai commands attention with its commanding presence, nestled harmoniously between the mountains and waters.
Designed in the style of the ancient Zhanghua platform, Chu Tian Tai reaches a height of 35.26 meters. At its pinnacle, a bronze phoenix, standing 1.2 meters tall, adorns the roof, creating a striking silhouette against the sky. The front wall of the pavilion is adorned with over 600 natural marble pieces, forming an intricate pattern that depicts the scene “楚天仙境丹凤朝阳 (Chu Tian Fairyland, Red Phoenix Facing the Sunrise),” making it a unique masterpiece of Chu Tian.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 20 RMB (including the chime bell performance) |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-027-87510179 |
Layout of Chu Tian Tai
As visitors step into the welcoming hall on the first floor, their attention is immediately drawn to the circular LED screen depicting scenes from the “Welcoming Guests Traveling” mural, which originates from the Chu Tomb No. 2 on Baoshan in 1986. The vividly reproduced scenes portray the daily travel activities of the people of Chu, with figures running, standing, and driving along the tree-lined banks.
The second floor houses a performance hall where a bell chime and dance performance takes place daily at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. Behind the stage, three enormous LED backdrop walls change scenes in sync with the performance, enhancing the overall immersive experience for the audience.
The third floor is dedicated to a fashion exhibition showcasing various Chu-style clothing for both men and women. From textile craftsmanship to pattern designs, these ancient Chu garments rival the creations of modern fashion designers. Visitors even have the opportunity to “try on” these garments using interactive AR devices.
The fourth floor is centered around an exhibition of the “Eight Tones of Jingchu,” featuring eight ancient musical instruments. Visitors can listen to several classic Chu melodies and, through an interactive screen, choose their preferred instrument to create their own “Chu Feng” band, playing their favorite songs.
On the fifth floor, a colossal statue of King Zhuang of Chu takes center stage. The floor tells the tale of Chu’s historical development, with each step allowing visitors to feel the weight of history. Surrounding the exhibition hall are displays featuring numerous idioms related to the Chu culture.
At the highest point on the sixth floor, the most precious treasure is housed – the “Chu Wang Bian Zhong” (Chu King’s Chime Bell). This bell is connected to the famous “Zeng Hou Yi Bian Zhong” (Chime Bell of Marquis Yi of Zeng), symbolizing the profound and enduring influence of Chu’s musical legacy. Stepping outside, visitors are treated to the optimal vantage point for taking in panoramic views of Donghu (East Lake) and its surrounding areas, providing a breathtaking perspective of the entire landscape.