Arch of Longevity and Harmony

Arch of Longevity and Harmony

The Arch of Longevity and Harmony is located in Shengshi Village, Shaxi Town, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province. Built in the 25th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1899), it is a four-pillared, three-bay open-through memorial archway constructed from carved granite, standing approximately 6 meters tall. On the front, the central vertical plaque reads “Imperial Edict,” while the back bears the inscription “Imperial Favor.” The main horizontal plaque on the front is inscribed in intaglio with the four characters “期颐偕老” (Longevity and Harmony), with the upper inscription reading “Winter Month, Ji Hai Year, 25th Year of Guangxu” and the lower inscription reading “Erected by the elderly Peng Zaowen together with Yang’s family.” The horizontal plaques on the left and right side bays are inscribed in relief with “Ying Hai” (Oceanic Sea) and “Yao Chi” (Jade Pond). The central pillar couplet is carved in intaglio: “From the north, imperial grace descends like a phoenix decree bestowing blessings from Heaven; in Longxi, longevity remains as the Elephant Peak shines with the star of old age.”

The back of the archway features a horizontal plaque on the main bay inscribed in relief with “Prosperous Age’s Sage Elder,” while the horizontal plaques on the left and right side bays are inscribed in relief with “Qian Jian” (Heavenly Vigor) and “Kun Shun” (Earthly Harmony). The central pillar couplet is carved in intaglio: “The Sea-Counting Pavilion records spring and autumn, with towering pines and bamboos adding double years; the Imperial Court showers grace, as two longevity trees shine for a hundred springs.” The pillars of the archway are adorned with stone carvings of pagodas, mythical Ao fish, and lions, with drum-shaped pedestal stones at the base, along with intact carvings of figures and floral motifs.

Shengshi Village: Introduction to Shengshi Village

Shengshi Village is located approximately 2.68 kilometers northwest of the Shaxi Town government. It currently has a population of over 4,390. Originally part of the northern region of the ancient Xiangjiao Township, the name “Shengshi” originated from Shengshi Bay east of Lion Mountain within the village, where “Sheng” conveys meanings of sacredness and purity. In 1945, during the consolidation of larger townships, the ancient Xiangjiao, Daxingfang, and Lanxia villages were merged into one large township, and “Shengshi” was used for the first time as the name of the township. In 1950, when administrative villages were re-divided, Lanxia Village separated, and the former Xiangjiao area was split into three: the Guanlan paddy field region was carved out to establish Guanlan Township (now under the jurisdiction of Tanbei Town); the southern... Detailed information about Shengshi Village++