The Chen Family Memorial Arches

The Chen Family Memorial Arches

The Chen Family Memorial Arches are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Chen Family Memorial Arches are located in Chenjia Village, Luoyuan, Qili Township. The Chen Family Memorial Arches consist of the Zhurujin Arch and the Lixuemingxian Arch. The Zhurujin Arch was built in the 8th year of the Yongle era during the reign of Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty (1410 AD) by Gao Xu, an official from the Ministry of War, and She Yao, the magistrate of Jinxian County, to commemorate Chen Mo, who once served as Vice Commissioner of Sichuan. In the 10th year of the Chongzhen era, a wooden memorial arch for eminent Confucian scholars was also constructed. The two arches stand opposite each other, connected on both sides by brick and stone walls, forming a small courtyard in between. Both the front and back of the arches are paved with long strips of granite, giving the site an elegant and classic appearance.

The stone arch is a four-pillar, three-bay structure made of a combination of brick and stone, facing south. The arch stands 5.12 meters high and 8.08 meters wide. Above the lintel is embedded a horizontal stone plaque inscribed with the regular script characters “Zhurujin” (meaning “splendid return in daylight”), along with descriptive text detailing the reasons for and date of the arch’s construction. The plaque is decorated with bas-relief patterns. The arch is built from sturdy stone materials, featuring fine carvings, dignified and well-proportioned designs, smooth lines, and vividly realistic depictions of figures and birds. The roof ridge is shaped in a gable form with slightly upturned corners resembling outstretched wings, covered with gray tiles.

The wooden memorial arch for eminent Confucian scholars is 5.96 meters high and 9.56 meters wide. Its four pillars are arranged in a row, each standing on a rectangular stone pedestal adorned with bas-reliefs. Each pillar is flanked by a pair of stone lions, one in front and one behind.

The eight stone lions are all the same size, each standing 2.16 meters tall and 0.6 meters wide. Each lion is uniquely carved—some holding a cub, some caressing or patting a cub, some pressing a ball, some sticking out their tongues, and some holding a ball. Their expressions appear smiling when viewed from the front but sorrowful from the back, giving rise to the saying “smiling inside, crying outside.” The lions are intricately carved, with clear textures and bold, lively knife work that brings them to life.

The roof is covered with gray clay tiles, and the eaves and ends of the arch are adorned with dragon-head-shaped ornaments made of bricks, tiles, and lime. At the center of the roof ridge is a “black gauze hat”-shaped structure built from lime and tiles, traditionally believed to symbolize official rank. In June 2006, it was designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council.

Further Reading:

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units