Archway of the Song Dynasty Relics

Archway of the Song Dynasty Relics

The Archway of the Song Dynasty Relics was built in honor of Ma Nanbao, an official of the Song Dynasty’s Ministry of Works and a local hero. During the Jingyan era of the Southern Song Dynasty, after the young Emperor Zhao Bing failed to resist the Yuan forces and fled southward, he took refuge in Shachong, Liangdu, and set up a temporary imperial palace within Ma Nanbao’s residence. Ma contributed grain to the army and was commended for his loyal support of the emperor. In recognition of his deeds, the archway was originally constructed entirely from bluestone carvings and inlays, but unfortunately it was destroyed in 1966. In 1987, with government funding and contributions from overseas Chinese, compatriots from Hong Kong and Macau, as well as local villagers, the archway was rebuilt with a glazed tile roof. The front side is inscribed with “Archway of the Song Dynasty Relics,” while the back is inscribed with “Hometown of the Minister.”

Ma Nanbao (1250–1285)

Originally from Kaifeng, Henan. When the Song court moved south, his ancestors came to Guangdong to serve as officials in Xinhui, and the family settled in Xinhui City. Later, his great-grandfather relocated to Shachong, Xiangshan (now Shachong Village, South District). The family was wealthy, and Ma was known for his love of learning, sense of justice, and skill in poetry.

In October 1277, during the second year of the Jingyan era of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Duanzong was pursued by Yuan troops and fled by sea through the territory of Xiangshan. In November, Ma Nanbao contributed a thousand dan (a unit of volume) of grain to supply the army and was rewarded by imperial decree. He was then appointed as Minister of Works. At that time, Chancellor Chen Yizhong, Grand Tutor Zhang Shijie, and Palace Commander Su Liuyi accompanied the emperor and stationed in Shachong, using Ma Nanbao’s residence... More details about Ma Nanbao ++

Zhao Bing (1272–1279), the last emperor of the Southern Song Dynasty and also the final ruler of the Song Dynasty (the ninth emperor, reigning from 1278 to 1279), ruled for two years and died at the age of eight. Zhao Bing was the youngest son of Emperor Duzong of Song and had been granted titles such as Prince of Xin, Prince of Guang, and Prince of Wei. In March 1279, the Song Dynasty suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Yamen against the Yuan forces, leading to the annihilation of the entire army. Lu Xiufu then carried the eight-year-old Zhao Bing and jumped into the sea to die. Zhang Shijie, Empress Dowager Yang, and others also committed suicide by drowning. With the death of the last Song emperor, the Song Dynasty came to an end.

Zhao Bing, who was successively granted titles such as Prince of Xin... More details about Zhao Bing ++