Shiqiaopu Double Archways

Shiqiaopu Double Archways

The Shiqiaopu Double Archways are cultural relics protected at the provincial level in Sichuan Province.

Shiqiaopu Double Archways (Fucheng District)

The Li Qi Centenarian Archway and the Wu Shaodian Filial Piety and Righteousness Archway are located in Shiqiaopu, High-Tech Zone. The two archways are about 500 meters apart and are collectively known as the "Shiqiaopu Double Archways." Both archways feature massive stone pillars, rigorous architectural structures, and elegant, exquisite decorations. They incorporate various carving techniques such as bas-relief, line engraving, round carving, and openwork, and are representative examples of Qing Dynasty stone carvings that still exist in Mianyang today. In 1986, the two archways were designated as municipal-level cultural relics protection units, and in 2012, they were listed as provincial-level cultural relics protection units.

The Li Qi Centenarian Archway was built in the 12th year of the Jiaqing reign during the Qing Dynasty (1807). At that time, natural disasters frequently occurred in Shiqiaopu and surrounding areas. Whenever disasters struck, Li Qi, a local resident of Shiqiaopu, would open his granaries to provide relief to fellow villagers. His virtuous and benevolent deeds earned him deep respect and admiration from the local community. When Li Qi reached the age of 104, his son Li Tian’ai passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi (advanced scholar). That same year, Li Qi’s family achieved the rare honor of having five generations living together under one roof. The villagers and Li Tian’ai then petitioned the imperial court for approval, and by imperial decree, the Centenarian Archway was constructed in honor of Li Qi.

The Wu Shaodian Filial Piety and Righteousness Archway was built in the 3rd year of the Guangxu reign during the Qing Dynasty (1877). Wu Shaodian, whose courtesy name was Shenwu and who later styled himself as “Farmer of Fushang” in his later years, lost his wife at the age of 30 and never remarried. He was regarded by the villagers as a man of great moral integrity. He single-handedly raised three sons to adulthood. His second son, Wu Xiqing, rose to the position of Langzhong (senior official) in the Ministry of Revenue and later served as an inspector in Fujian, attaining considerable prominence. To repay his father’s kindness in raising him, and with the approval of the imperial court, Wu Xiqing had this Filial Piety and Righteousness Archway built for his father in their hometown in the 4th year of the Guangxu reign (1878), where it stands as a monument for all to admire.

1. Li Qi Centenarian Archway

Protected Area: Extending 20 meters outward from the outer edge of the archway.

Construction Control Zone: Extending 50 meters outward from the protected area.

2. Wu Shaodian Filial Piety and Righteousness Archway

Protected Area: Extending 20 meters outward from the outer edge of the archway.

Construction Control Zone: Extending 50 meters outward from the protected area.

Further Reading:

· Eighth Batch of Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units