"High Integrity Through the Ages" Stone Archway

"High Integrity Through the Ages" Stone Archway

The "High Integrity Through the Ages" Stone Archway is a cultural relic protection unit of Yuyao City.

The "High Integrity Through the Ages" Stone Archway is located in Huangqingyan Village, Ditan Town, Yuyao City. In the 32nd year of the Wanli era during the Ming Dynasty (1604), Yu, the Surveillance Commissioner of Zhejiang, oversaw the renovation of the temple and tomb of Mr. Yan Ziling and specially reconstructed the "High Integrity Through the Ages" stone archway to commemorate the Han Dynasty recluse, Mr. Yan Ziling.

Yan Guang (37 BCE – 43 CE), courtesy name Ziling, was born in Yanjia, Xihe, north of Yao (modern-day Yuyao). He is celebrated through the ages as a man of high moral character. Yan Ziling was a close friend and classmate of Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu. The emperor wanted to appoint Yan as an imperial counselor, but Yan, who had long despised the treachery and formalities of officialdom, preferred a life of freedom and simplicity. He declined the appointment and chose to live in seclusion along the Fuchun River, farming and fishing. His disregard for fame and wealth has been praised throughout history. Fan Zhongyan, a Northern Song Dynasty statesman and writer, once wrote, “Misty mountains loom, rivers flow wide; your noble spirit stands, lofty as the hills and streams,” in tribute to Yan Ziling’s virtuous character.

The "High Integrity Through the Ages" Stone Archway is a stone-carved structure exhibiting typical artistic styles of the Ming Dynasty. It features four pillars and three bays, with an overall width of 8.7 meters and a height of 6 meters. The main beam of the central bay is inscribed with the four large characters “高风千古” (“High Integrity Through the Ages”), while the smaller beam above is engraved with the ten characters “为汉徵士子陵严先生立” (“Erected in Honor of Yan Ziling, Han Dynasty Recluse”). The side bays depict intricately carved openwork reliefs of lions playing with embroidered balls and various birds and beasts, showcasing sophisticated craftsmanship. The entire archway is majestic and splendid, reflecting the exceptional stonework skills of Ming artisans and possessing significant artistic value.

In October 1987, it was designated as a municipal-level cultural relic protection unit by the Yuyao Municipal People’s Government.