Jixi Yishi Shangshu Archway

Jixi Yishi Shangshu Archway

The Yishi Shangshu Archway is located on the southern bank of Longchuan Stream in Longchuan Village, Jixi County. Constructed in a four-pillar, three-gate, five-story style, the archway stands 10 meters high, is 9 meters wide, and extends 3 meters deep. It is built from granite with a slightly inward-leaning framework, giving it a sense of stability and dignity. The main beam is intricately carved with animal shapes including “two lions playing with a ball,” “two dragons playing with a pearl,” “deer in harmony,” and “a roc spreading its wings.” The carvings are exquisitely detailed and lifelike. They are further adorned with cloud patterns and ruyi motifs, adding to the archway’s majestic and expressive appearance. The smaller beams are engraved with pavilions, towers, historical anecdotes, and auspicious theatrical scenes, showcasing fine craftsmanship and a high level of carving artistry.

The archway was built in the 30th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1562) and features a typical Ming-style Huizhou architectural design.

Background Information: Longchuan Village (now called Dakoukou) is one of the oldest villages in Jixi and the ancestral home of the Hu family. During the Ming Dynasty, two members of the Hu family successively held the position of Minister: Hu Fu, Minister of Revenue, and Hu Zongxian, Minister of War. The two Hus were separated by 60 years. According to an old Chinese tradition, 60 years marks a full cycle (a "huāzǐzi" or "flower-growth period"), also symbolizing a generational transition. “Yishi” means successive generations, hence the two Hu ministers are referred to as the Yishi Shangshu, or “Successive-Generations Ministers.”