Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety

Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety

The Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

The Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety is located within the Guangdafuyuan Residential Compound on Guangda Street, Ziliujing District. Built in the 13th year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1887), it faces southwest from a northeast orientation. The monument is constructed of stone, featuring a five-story, four-pillar, three-bay structure. It is 7.4 meters wide and 2.5 meters thick. The roof of the monument is carved with tile ridges, and its eaves curl upwards. The roof section of the main story is built in imitation of the hip-and-gable style.

The Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety was erected in the winter month of 1887 during the 13th year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty to commend the chastity and filial piety of Madam Ni, a relative of the wife of Li Siyoutang—one of the four major salt merchant families. At that time, Ding Baozhen, the Governor-General of Sichuan, investigated the situation on-site and petitioned the imperial court to approve its construction. Originally, there was another monument about one kilometer behind this one, which led locals to refer to the area as “Twin Monuments.” However, that other monument was demolished in the 1970s and no longer exists.

The entire Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety is exquisitely carved, with vivid depictions of flowers, birds, figures, dragons, lions, pines, and cranes.

The plaque bearing the imperial edict at the top is even more elaborately carved with nine dragons amid auspicious clouds, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and great value.

In 2017, the Monument to Li Nishi’s Chastity and Filial Piety was listed as a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

Protected area: 5 meters beyond the base platform.

Construction control zone: the platform where the monument stands, covering an area of 108 square meters.

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Sichuan Province