Shuitou Bucan Archway

Shuitou Bucan Archway

The Shuitou Bucan Archway is a cultural relic protection unit of Jiangxi Province.

“Bucan Archway.” It is a three-story wooden archway with tiled roofing. It is the oldest surviving archway in southern Jiangxi, with a history of nearly 600 years. Due to its unique architectural style, locals call it the “Wooden Archway.”

Standing beneath the Bucan Archway and looking up, you’ll see this over 10-meter-tall structure entirely supported by wood. At its very top, three iron spears stand pointing toward the sky. The archway faces south and has withstood centuries of wind and rain. It is 11.2 meters wide and 3.55 meters deep, featuring four pillars, three bays, four stories, and double eaves. Four massive main columns and eight auxiliary columns support the entire structure. Additionally, the archway utilizes layered arches to support its upturned eaves, giving the entire edifice a tall and stately appearance. Though the structure may seem simple, it is highly rational, with even force distribution across all parts. The three large characters “Bucan Archway” inscribed on it are bold and powerful.

The archway was built in the 6th year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1441) to commemorate Xie Ning, a native of Yudu County, who passed the imperial examination and earned the title of Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial provincial examinations). The Bucan Archway is not only ancient but also exquisitely designed, making it a very precious wooden archway among the many such structures in southern Jiangxi.

The grand residences surrounding the Bucan Archway feature standalone courtyards and grand three-courtyard buildings. Their weathered walls, dilapidated eaves, and overgrown wild grass…

Stepping into the main hall, the lingering smell of smoke fills the air, left behind from villagers cooking over fires. From the majestic stone lions at the courtyard entrance and the soaring upturned eaves around the building, one can still faintly imagine its former glory.

Further reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relic Protection Units