Linhai Yang Family Chastity Archway

Linhai Yang Family Chastity Archway

The Linhai Yang Family Chastity Archway is a Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Yang Family Chastity Archway, also known as the "Tongguan Yangxiu" Archway, is located in front of the Lu Family Ancestral Hall at the eastern village entrance of Lujia Village, Duqiao Town, Linhai City. It was designated as a "Linhai City Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit" on October 17, 1986. On January 13, 2017, it was announced by the Zhejiang Provincial People's Government as part of the seventh batch of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units.

The archway faces east-west and is constructed from bluestone, with a relatively smooth exterior. It was built in the third year of the Xianfeng reign during the Qing Dynasty (1853). The structure has a linear layout, mimicking wooden architecture in stone, featuring four pillars, three bays, and a three-story design with double eaves and a hip-and-gable roof. The archway is 7.32 meters wide and 7.4 meters tall, with pillars measuring 0.34×0.36 meters in diameter. The lintels and beams feature carved brackets and delicate carvings. The central section of the archway is inscribed with the characters "Bao Xiao Fang Xiu" (Chastity and Filial Piety), while the sides display poetic verses such as "Zuo Shi Liang Fang Zhi De" (Virtue Earned by Both Husband and Wife) and "Bei Shi Xian Fu Zhi Gui" (Honor Brought by Widowed Fidelity). The upper sections are adorned with carvings depicting themes like "Lian Po Carrying Firewood" and "Dou E’s Injustice." The lower sections include inscriptions such as "Ci Xian Mu De" (Compassion for Virtuous Mothers) and "Jian Li Gu Xiu De" (Upholding Ancient Virtuous Deeds). The arch is decorated with intricate patterns. On November 8, 2001, a comprehensive restoration was carried out.

The concept of "chastity and filial piety" was one of the spiritual shackles imposed on women during feudal times and faced criticism since the May Fourth Movement. It was not until after the liberation that its influence was thoroughly eradicated. Archways were a type of commemorative architecture in ancient China, representing the architectural craftsmanship, stone carving artistry, and aesthetic ideals of their time. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Linhai once had over two hundred stone archways, but now only this one remains well-preserved. Preserving the stone archway serves two purposes: to retain a specimen of stone architectural art for appreciation and reference, and to enhance later generations' understanding of how "outdated feudal ethics could be oppressive," allowing history to inform the present.

Duqiao Town: I. Overview of Duqiao

Duqiao Town is situated in the southeast of Linhai City, at the geographic center of the northern Jiao Plain along the northern shore of the Taizhou Bay estuary. It borders the urban area of Taizhou to the south, is 10 kilometers from Haimen Port, 20 kilometers from Luqiao Airport, connects to Sanmen Bay to the north, and lies close to the national-level Taozhu Scenic Area. The town covers a land area of 186 square kilometers, with a total population of 194,000. The built-up area spans 5.5 square kilometers, housing a permanent urban population of over 50,000. It administers 7 subdistrict offices, 3 community neighborhood committees, and 123 administrative villages.

Duqiao is rich in resources and abundant in produce. The town has an extensive network of rivers... More detailed information about Duqiao Town++