Beizhen Li Chengliang Stone Memorial Archway

Beizhen Li Chengliang Stone Memorial Archway

The Beizhen Li Chengliang Stone Memorial Archway is a cultural tourism attraction.

The Li Chengliang Stone Memorial Archway is located south of the Drum Tower in downtown Beizhen, situated in the pedestrian street, and is one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Ancient Guangning Prefecture,” known as “The Stone Archway Stands Tall.” Constructed in the eighth year of the Ming Wanli era (1580 AD), it was built by order of Emperor Shenzong of Ming, Zhu Yijun, to commemorate the accomplishments of Li Chengliang, the Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong at the time, in safeguarding Liaodong. The structure was commissioned from officials including Zhou Yong, Regional Inspector of Liaodong and Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Military Surveillance Bureau, resulting in this magnificent three-bay, four-pillar, five-story stone memorial archway with a single-eave hip-and-gable roof, built in imitation of wooden architecture.

The entire archway is constructed from dark purple sedimentary sandstone. It stands 9.25 meters high and is 13.1 meters wide. Its upturned eaves, connecting beams, and balustrade brackets are exquisitely crafted, adorned with carvings of figures, flowers representing the four seasons, the imagery of carp leaping through the Dragon Gate, an official attaining the highest rank, dragons playing with pearls, three rams heralding prosperity, four dragons, five deer, seahorses riding clouds, a rhinoceros gazing at the moon, and symbols of happiness, wealth, longevity, and ennoblement. These intricate reliefs attract countless visitors who pause to admire and linger in awe.

The vertical inscriptions on the archway beam read “Hereditary Rank,” while the horizontal beam bears the phrases “Imperial Edict of the Celestial Court” and “Li Chengliang, Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong, Tutor to the Crown Prince, and Duke of Ningyuan.” Below, it states “Erected on an Auspicious Day in October, the Eighth Year of Wanli.” At the base of the central pillars, there are pairs of stone lions on both the front and back sides, while the side pillars each have two pairs of drum-shaped pedestal stones carved with floral and cloud motifs. On the outer sides sit stone beasts. The entire stone archway is refined, graceful, and exquisite, ranking among the finest in Liaoning Province. It holds significant historical and artistic value.

The Li Chengliang Stone Archway is a provincial-level key cultural relics protection unit. Despite being over four hundred years old, it remains remarkably well-preserved. Owing to its grand, unique, intricate, and spectacular construction, it has inspired admiration and commentary from scholars and literati throughout history, most notably the “Ancient Style Song” composed by Li Weizhen, a scholar-official of the late Qing Dynasty. Among its verses are the lines: “Alone it stands, a splendid structure piercing the sky, amazing craftsmanship that rivals the work of spirits.”

The poem vividly depicts the magnificence of the archway, celebrates the exceptional skill of the artisans, briefly outlines the historical background of its construction, and praises Li Chengliang’s historical contributions. It also provides an objective account of his later years, marked by bribery, power abuse, and extravagance, achieving a balanced tone of critique and commendation. The piece concludes with a reflective lament on the archway as a relic of history, evoking nostalgia and timeless emotion, where words end but meaning lingers.

Location of the Attraction

In front of the Bell Tower, Beining City, Beizhen, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province

Li Chengliang (1526–1615), courtesy name Ruchi, art name Yincheng, was a native of Tieling (now Tieling, Liaoning) and a military general of the late Ming Dynasty. During his 30-year tenure defending Liaodong, he reported ten major victories. However, as his prestige grew, so did his arrogance and extravagance. He was impeached and dismissed in the 36th year of Wanli. He passed away in the 43rd year of Wanli at the age of 90.

Li Chengliang’s ethnicity is disputed. He was a general of the late Ming Dynasty. According to the History of Ming, Li Chengliang’s great-grandfather, Li Ying, submitted to the Ming Dynasty from Korea and served as an officer in the Tieling Guard. The History of Ming records that Li Ying migrated from the Korean Peninsula to Tieling. History of Ming... More details on Li Chengliang ++