Zibo Sishi Gongbao Archway

Zibo Sishi Gongbao Archway

The Zibo Sishi Gongbao Archway is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Situated at the northern end of Nancun Street in Xincheng Town, Huantai County, it was erected to honor Ming Dynasty official Wang Xiangqian and his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, all of whom attained the rank of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent and Minister of War—hence the name. The stone plaque inscribed with the four characters “四世宫保” (Four Generations of Imperial Guardians) is traditionally attributed to the Ming Dynasty calligrapher Dong Qichang. ?? The archway was built in 1619 (the 47th year of the Wanli Emperor’s reign in the Ming Dynasty), featuring a brick-and-stone structure designed in a palatial style that rises in the center and slopes to the sides. It spans 9.2 meters in width, 3.33 meters in depth, and stands 15 meters tall. Eight stone lions flank the two archways. The arches, pillars, and other surfaces are intricately carved with birds, beasts, landscapes, and flowers. Notably, the four relief figures atop the brick pillars are remarkably lifelike, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty sculptors.

Shandong, Zibo City

Xincheng Town: Located in the southwestern part of Huantai County, Xincheng Town covers an area of 44.55 square kilometers, administers 40 administrative villages, and has a population of 36,000. It is traversed by the Binbo Expressway and the provincial highways Gaozi Road and Shouji Road, offering well-developed transportation and a strategically favorable location.

As the former site of the ancient county seat of Huantai County, Xincheng Town boasts a history of 722 years as a county administrative center. It is also the hometown of Wang Shizhen (also known as Wang Yuyang), a leading figure in Qing Dynasty poetry. The town has a rich cultural heritage, with a documented history of 30 successful imperial examination candidates (jinshi) and 43 provincial examination graduates (juren). Numerous historical relics and cultural sites are found here. Within the town are the Zhongqin Ancestral Hall, the Former Residence of Wang Shizhen, the Sishi Gongbao Archway, the Qi Huan Gong Horse Racing Grounds... More details about Xincheng Town ++

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units