Yangcun Archway-Style Pavilion

Yangcun Archway-Style Pavilion

The Yangcun Archway-Style Pavilion is a Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

As a Jiangxi Provincial-level Cultural Relics Protection Unit, this is a structure that fully integrates an archway and a pavilion. It is situated in Yanjiaoping, Yangcun, Xiaosong Town, Shicheng County, approximately 20 kilometers from the county town. Constructed in the Qing Dynasty, the archway-style pavilion is built in the form of a pavilion using hemp-slab stones, bluish granite, and fine red strip stones. There is a pavilion gate at both the northern and southern ends, with a stone memorial archway erected squarely in front of each gate. The pavilion and archway are integrated, connected by a central passageway. The archways are inscribed with the characters “Imperial Edict,” and also feature carvings depicting figures and stories. The lintel of the southern gate includes bas-reliefs of “Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu” and “The Empty City Stratagem,” while the northern gate features “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” and “Guo Ziyi Pays Birthday Respects.” The borders are adorned with patterns of bats and stylized running beasts. The lower edges are decorated with motifs of fragrant grass dragons and ruyi-patterned flowers. The designs at both ends share similarities but also have distinct elements. This integrated pavilion-archway structure was convenient for the archway owner to offer tea to travelers for refreshment and shelter from wind and rain, embodying the commendation of “chastity, filial piety, and good deeds.” The design of the pavilion and archway is uniquely styled, with exquisitely lifelike carvings. The surname plaque for commendation is framed with a continuous pattern of chrysanthemum leaves, along with seasonal flowers, ruyi-shaped ancient coins, paired phoenixes and peonies, lotus flowers emerging from water, and pairs of water birds and magpies perched on phoenix trees. The composition is novel, varied, finely executed, and the carving techniques are fluid.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Jiangxi Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units