The Jiuda Tianqu Archway

The Jiuda Tianqu Archway

The Jiuda Tianqu Archway is located in the western part of the jurisdiction, outside the Juxiu Gate (commonly known as the West Gate) of the old state city on the ancient post road (now Mishijie Street), and is a Ming Dynasty structure. The archway has four pillars and three bays, runs north-south, and is built with a combination of wood and stone. The upper part of the archway features a wooden and stone arch with overhanging eaves, topped with yellow glazed tiles. The lower section consists of four north-south bluestone foundations, with four wooden columns inserted into the base stones, and two diagonal pillars on each side providing support. The base stones are carved with eight stone figures, all in a reclining posture. The horizontal beam across the central bay bears the inscription “Jiuda Tianqu” (Nine Highways to the Skies), traditionally believed to have been written by Yan Song, the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince, during the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty. After the Ming Dynasty established its capital in Beijing, Dezhou became a key canal transport route for nine provinces (Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi) leading to the capital, hence Dezhou has long been known as the “Jiuda Tianqu.” When Yuan Shikai was serving as the acting governor of Shandong in the late Qing Dynasty, he oversaw its restoration, and the characters “Jiuda Tianqu” were rewritten by Zhu Qiqian (a renowned expert in ancient architecture and industrialist who served as Acting Premier of the Beiyang Government). The archway is noted for its elegant design, exquisite carvings, and richly colored paintings, all reflecting the architectural characteristics of the Ming Dynasty. This archway was destroyed before the liberation of Dezhou.