Imperial Edict Archway

Imperial Edict Archway

The Imperial Edict Archway, also known as the Imperial Edict Memorial Arch, is located in Archway Bay, Shijiao Village, at the northern end of the Fushui Dam. Built in the sixth year of the Zhengtong era during the reign of Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty (1441 AD), it has a history of over 660 years and remains well-preserved. The archway stands 14 meters tall and 12 meters wide, featuring a wooden structure divided into upper and lower levels. The lower level has four pillars and three gates, with the central gate being 6 meters wide. The lintel bears the four large characters “Jing Biao Yi Fang” (Commendation for Righteous Deeds), handwritten by Emperor Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty. Above the lintel are 100 crane-shaped bracket arms, topped with wooden beams and covered with blue tiles. The upper level is 8 meters wide and 6 meters high, with the “Imperial Edict” plaque hanging in the center. The two characters “Imperial Edict,” each one square meter in size, are meticulously structured and written with powerful strokes, also in the hand of Emperor Yingzong. The crane-shaped bracket arms support the “Imperial Edict” plaque, symbolizing “a hundred cranes paying homage to the emperor.”

According to the *Yang Family Genealogy*, in the sixth year of the Zhengtong era during Emperor Yingzong’s reign, a famine struck the region. Yang Zhao (courtesy name Deming, a scholar and degree holder) purchased over 1,000 dan of grain and delivered it to the prefectural government to aid the starving people. Upon learning of this, Emperor Yingzong issued an imperial decree to construct the memorial archway in recognition of Yang Zhao’s virtuous act. This is the origin of the “Imperial Edict” Archway.

The “Imperial Edict” Archway features an innovative design and exquisite craftsmanship, making it a rare example of Ming Dynasty architecture with significant historical and artistic value.