Peony Pavilion gift for Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been gifted a Peony Pavilion from the People's Government of Fuzhou Municipality in China, to continue the China-UK cultural exchange.  

Building on the relationship established around our playwrights William Shakespeare and Tang Xianzu, the Peony Pavilion is a typical symbol for Tang Xianzu's drama works and a classical symbol of Chinese culture. It witnessed the immortal love between Du Liniang and Liu Mengmei.  

Cllr Tony Jefferson, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: "We are extremely grateful for this gift. It is a tangible symbol of the international status of Stratford-upon-Avon. Both the UK and China have rich and distinctive cultures, and by sharing our history and culture we will deepen the already strong ties. It is hoped that our cultural collaboration will continue to yield results for businesses and this growing cultural partnership will help boost trade, jobs and investment."  

The People's Government of Fuzhou Municipality plan to donate a Chinese garden-style Peony Pavilion to Stratford-upon-Avon to continue the international friendship.  

Mr Ding Hua from Central Culture Development Group UK says: "As a project champion between Fuzhou and Stratford-upon-Avon, it is pleasing to see another cornerstone of friendship being established. It is an honour to be involved and contribute to such a meaningful international exchange between China and the UK. And hope this co-operation on every potential aspect continues going forward successfully under the current friendship framework from 2016."

It is planned that the Peony Pavilion will be located in the Firs Garden in Stratford-upon-Avon, subject to the relevant planning permissions being agreed.  

A civic party from the District Council will again be visiting Fuzhou at the end of September for the second Tang Xianzu International Drama Festival.  

A Chinese pavilion is a type of covered structure without surrounding walls and is a traditional part of Chinese architecture. While often found within temples, pavilions are not exclusively religious structures. Many Chinese parks and gardens feature pavilions to provide shade and a place to rest.  

The Pavilion is currently being commissioned and is expected to be delivered early next year.  

Located 14km away from Fuzhou in a mountainous region, Sanweng Town forms part of a new cultural tourist attraction. Covering more than 891,000 square metres, Sanweng Town will be a significant attraction, incorporating hot springs and spas, retail and restaurant areas and luxury hotels.  

Sanweng Town is themed around Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Chinese playwright Tang Xianzu, known as the 'Three Giants' in China, with replicas of each of their home towns included within the project.  

The attraction aims to celebrate the achievements of Tang Xianzu, Shakespeare and Cervantes, who all passed away in the same year, 1616.