Yanglong Temple Archway

Yanglong Temple Archway

The Yanglong Temple Archway is a cultural relic protection unit of Sichuan Province.

The Yanglong Temple Stone Archway is located on Archway Ridge, Yanglongmiao Village, Qiaolong Township, Jialing District, Nanchong City. A clear stream runs beneath the archway, surrounded by lush green mountains.

Built in the 17th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty (1837), it faces southwest and northeast, constructed from bluestone in an imitation wooden structure featuring four pillars and three bays, spanning 5.28 meters wide and standing 11 meters tall.

The archway uses strip-shaped stone slabs as its foundation, with the base stones emerging 0.21 meters above ground. Four square stone pillars, each 0.61 meters in length, stand atop it. The central pillars are 5.97 meters high, while the side ones are 4.76 meters. Both front and back of the central pillars, as well as both sides, are engraved with couplets in regular script. The southwest-facing side reads: “The plum on the ridge defies the snow; the osmanthus by the river reflects the laurel.” The northeast-facing side reads: “The bright star blesses the clouds that shelter afar; the steadfast ice endures through dew of deep kindness.” Each character is 0.17 meters tall and 0.18 meters wide. Around the four pillars, at the front and back and on the outer sides, there are drum stones; the main drum surfaces feature shallow relief images of single riders, while the outer-side drums are carved with the characters “Fu (Fortune),” “Lu (Prosperity),” “Shou (Longevity),” and “Xi (Joy)” in intaglio. The rest of the drum surfaces are decorated with geometric patterns.

On the three gate pillars of the archway are floral corbels, each intricately carved with birds and flowers on both sides. The main lintel features shallow-relief carvings of mythical beasts and double phoenixes, front and back. The secondary lintels of the southeast bay are carved with intertwined floral patterns, front and back. The northwest bay’s lintels display shallow-relief carvings of carp and dragon motifs, front and back. The north face features a carving of magpies in a plum tree.

Above the minor beam of the main bay is a shallow-relief carving of two dragons playing with a pearl. At the top, from bottom to top, are three plaques. The lowest plaque has inscriptions on both sides, in intaglio, describing the reasons for building the archway, the people involved, and the time. On either side of the plaque are solemn, upright high-relief carvings of literati statues, each 0.77 meters tall. Above the plaque is a simple horizontal beam, on top of which is set the second plaque. This one bears the four characters “Jingbiao Jiébiǎo” (Commemorating Chastity) in intaglio on both sides. On each side are dignified high-relief seated figures, one hand holding a tablet and the other resting on a belt. Above this plaque is the Dragon Gate Beam, upon which are shallow-relief carvings of three groups of theatrical figure scenes and two groups of floral motifs. The ends of the Dragon Gate Beam support flat disk brackets.

With three sets each,

they support the secondary roof. In the center of the Dragon Gate Beam is embedded the third plaque, bearing the two characters “Shèngzhǐ” (Imperial Edict) in regular script, with five dragons encircling the words. Above is a single beam, featuring two groups of shallow-relief mythological figures and two groups of floral designs. It supports

four sets of flat disk brackets,

which in turn support the main roof.

The minor beams of the southeast and northwest secondary bays have shallow-relief animal motifs on both sides. The top panels are inscribed “Songyún” (Pine and Bamboo) on the front and “Lǐzōng” (Ritual Ancestor) on the back. The northwest secondary bay's minor beam shows shallow-relief theatrical scenes with “Zhújìn” (Bamboo Resolute) on the front and “Húzé” (Pot Model) on the back. The characters are 0.47 meters tall and 0.44 meters wide. The top of the panels in both secondary bays are adorned with simple horizontal beams, above which are plain panels. On top of those are major beams, whose both sides are covered with four groups of theatrical scene carvings and two groups of floral motifs. One side is inserted into the central pillar and topped with a secondary roof plaque carved with lions on both sides. The other side supports flat brackets, wooden brackets, and three sets, on top of which are edge-roof structures.

The main, secondary, and edge roofs of the archway are crowned with mythical beast ornaments and upturned eaves, along with tubular tiles.

The entire archway is exquisitely and elegantly crafted. It features 46 relief carvings—including dramas, myths, animals, and exotic flowers—119 detailed human figures, 5 inscribed plaques, and 2 couplets. The carving lines are delicate and smooth, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. It stands as a true masterpiece of art, providing valuable physical material for research into the Qing Dynasty's sculpture, painting, calligraphy, architecture, religion, folklore, and ethics. On December 15, 1994, the Nanchong Municipal People’s Government designated it as a cultural relic protection unit.

Protected area: 30-meter extension beyond the site boundary.

Construction control zone: 20-meter extension beyond the protected area.