The Zhushi Archway

The Zhushi Archway

The Zhushi Archway is a cultural relic protection unit at the provincial level in Jiangsu Province.

The Zhushi Archway was originally located south of Shengxian Bridge in Taizhou city. In 1951, during the expansion of a park, it was moved to the west end of Taishan Bridge and repurposed as a memorial archway in front of the Martyrs' Tower, inscribed with the four characters “Eternal Glory” (永垂不朽). On the front and back sides of the pillars on both sides of the central gate, there are stone carvings of Hu people riding lions, serving as pillar-supporting ornaments. It is commonly known as the “Hu People’s Archway.”

“Zhushi” refers to an imperial censor. This archway was built by Jiang Ke as a request for ennoblement for his father, and it was originally located on Shengxian Bridge South Street next to Jiang Ke’s residence. In 1951, during the expansion of Taishan Park, the archway was repurposed as a memorial archway in front of the Martyrs' Tower, with inscriptions reading “Loyal Hearts Defend the Nation” (精忠报国) and “Mighty as Mountains and Rivers” (气壮山河). Originally the most exquisite archway in Taizhou city, today only the basic structure of the archway remains, with all carved panels lost. However, the stone carvings of Hu people riding lions preserved on this archway are rare examples of such works, not just in the province but across the country.

Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit – Fourth Batch, April 1995 – Zhushi Archway – Ming Dynasty – Taizhou City

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units