The First Archway of China

The First Archway of China

The First Archway of China is a garden-style architecture in the Jiangnan tradition, modeled after Ming and Qing dynasty archways. Facing east and backed by the west, it features a brick-and-stone structure, with a typical five-cantilevered arch as its main body. Comprising twelve pillars, seven tiers, and thirteen bays, it has a double-layered, four-cornered design. The archway boasts soaring upturned eaves and exquisitely crafted details, presenting an imposing and majestic presence. Spanning 86 meters from north to south and standing 21 meters high, the entire structure is coated in vermilion paint with a glazed tile roof. The main ridge is adorned with mythical beast heads at both ends, guarding the top with a powerful aura, while the four winged corners are crowned with dragon-headed and phoenix-tailed ornaments that curl upwards. Beneath the archway lies a four-cornered caisson ceiling, featuring twenty-four corner lotus bases holding peaches of longevity, with golden eaves carved with dragons and phoenixes — a sight brimming with auspicious elegance. Inside the caisson are colorful paintings by master artists depicting qilins, rabbits, lotuses, and human figures, all vividly intricate and dazzling to behold. The archway adopts a central focus design, flanked by four smaller archways arranged in a stepped formation that naturally slopes downward on both sides, subtly reflecting the humility and restraint characteristic of traditional Chinese culture. Stepping through the archway, one is greeted by soaring upturned eaves, dragon and phoenix carvings, resplendent golds and reds, and an overwhelming sense of grandeur. Two four-story towers stand tall on either side of the archway, shimmering with light and echoing each other from north to south, equally majestic. From a distance, the entire archway rises proudly, seamlessly integrated with its surroundings, resembling a celestial pavilion emerging from time and space beyond the misty clouds, as if painted on a scroll.

Standing in the square in front of the archway, one can see the three golden characters “Huaxia City” (China’s City) hanging from the dougong brackets of the main façade — bold and vigorous, shining brilliantly. Three pairs of couplets inscribed on the massive pillars glow golden, their characters as large as a bowl. The main couplet reads: “Across nine myriad li of divine land, virtue bears all things; For fifty centuries of Huaxia, unyielding self-strengthening.” The side couplets are: “Dragons soar and phoenixes dance across the cosmos; Extraordinary people and spiritual lands write history,” and “Peace paints brocades of splendor; Prosperity competes in elegance.” These inscriptions, with dynamic brush strokes and a grand spirit, were all penned by renowned contemporary calligraphers.

In front of the archway lie 50 granite stone steps, stretching 60 meters in total and divided into three levels, symbolizing rising three steps at a time. On both sides and directly in front of the square are three small marble bridges, reminiscent of the scenic beauty of the Golden Water River in front of the Forbidden City. Behind the archway, however, lies another realm of refined charm: small bridges over flowing water and winding paths leading to secluded tranquility.

The scale of the archway is unprecedented in the world; its scenery is incomparably beautiful, making it truly a unique wonder of China.

Weihai Huaxia City Tourism Scenic Area

Taiping Temple

Sacred Water Guanyin

Xia Garden