Chángtíng (long pavilion) is a classical Chinese architectural term referring to a covered pavilion built along ancient roads, especially at distances of about ten li (roughly five kilometers), where travelers could rest, shelter from rain or sun, and—most poignantly—bid farewell to departing friends or loved ones. Though literally 'long pavilion,' the 'long' here evokes both its extended roofline and the lingering emotion of parting; it is not about physical length alone but symbolic duration and sentiment.

In classical poetry and literature, chángtíng appears frequently as a powerful motif for separation, nostalgia, and unspoken sorrow—think of Li Bai’s verses or the famous opera The Peony Pavilion. While actual chángtíng are rare today, the term survives in literary language, idioms (e.g., 长亭古道, 'ancient road and long pavilion'), and modern place names honoring historical routes. It carries strong cultural resonance far beyond its architectural definition.