He's Centenarian Memorial Archway

He's Centenarian Memorial Archway

He's Centenarian Memorial Archway is a Chongqing Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

He's Centenarian Memorial Archway is located in Qinggang Township, Bishan County, dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

He's Centenarian Memorial Archway is situated in Anle Village, Laifeng Subdistrict, Bishan District, Chongqing, on the former Chengdu-Chongqing Ancient Road and oriented northeast to southwest. This 168-year-old, finely crafted stone archway was built in the 25th year of the Daoguang reign (1845 AD) to commemorate He, the wife of Zhou Shaoxi, who was honored with the title of Fengzhi Doctor, for reaching the age of 100. Remarkably well-preserved, it provides important insights into the stone carving artistry and folk customs of the Qing Dynasty. It is hailed as “a representative work of Qing-era stonework in Chongqing,” and was among the first batch of municipal-level key cultural relics protected by Chongqing in 1992. In 2002, a cultural relics protection marker was erected in Bishan District.

The archway is constructed from three layers of hard bluish sandstone, standing 11.7 meters tall and 6.35 meters wide, with its four corners elegantly upturned as if reaching for the sky. Four prominent stone pillars form three gateways—the central one being the main gate, flanked by two smaller side gates. Between the gates are vividly sculpted auspicious animals such as qing (blue) lions, white elephants, and qilin (mythical beasts), resembling loyal guardians. The front and back tops of the archway are inscribed with “Memorial Archway Honoring He, Wife of Zhou Shaoxi, Honored with the Title of Fengzhi Doctor, for Reaching 100 Years of Age.” The front also features a list of congratulatory messages from senior officials in Sichuan and Chongqing, along with the four large characters “Ascending Peace and Longevity.” The back is inscribed with a preface to the archway written in seal script by Hanlin academician Liu Yuchang and the four characters “Gate of Chastity and Longevity.” The entire structure boasts exquisite carving craftsmanship and graceful forms, remaining entirely intact without any damage—preserved in outstanding condition.

In 2000, He's Centenarian Memorial Archway was designated by the Chongqing Municipal People's Government as part of the first group of Chongqing Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Units.