Jiuxiang Stone Memorial Archway

Jiuxiang Stone Memorial Archway

The Jiuxiang Stone Memorial Archway is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Jiuxiang Stone Memorial Archway is located on the official horse road of the ancient Southern Silk Road, right next to the old street of Jiuxiang, and was known in ancient times as the "First Archway Outside the South Gate of Chengdu."

In Jiuxiang Town, Hanjiang County, there stands a stone memorial archway carved with stories from 48 traditional operas. Approved by the provincial government as a cultural relic protection unit at the provincial level, it is known as the Jiuxiang "Double Chastity and Filial Piety" Stone Memorial Archway.

The stone archway is situated on the official horse road of the ancient Southern Silk Road, right next to the old street of Jiuxiang, and was known in ancient times as the "First Archway Outside the South Gate of Chengdu." The archway is approximately 11 meters high and 10 meters wide, facing south and backed by the north, featuring three gateways — the central one being larger, while the side ones are slightly smaller. The four large stone pillars supporting the archway are adorned with eight majestic stone lions on both the front and back sides. Each lion carries on its back a benevolent and solemn bodhisattva or ancient Buddha. Unfortunately, apart from one intact sculpture, the rest are now damaged. The archway has four tiers, referred to as the "Four-Tiered Multi-Ridge Eaves." According to local elders, in the 29th year of the Daoguang reign during the Qing Dynasty, Huang Ticheng, who rose from humble beginnings as a tribute student, built this Double Chastity and Filial Piety Stone Memorial Archway to honor the nurturing of his widowed mother and beloved sister-in-law. He petitioned the Qingxi County Magistrate (Hanjiang County was historically known as Qingxi County), who then reported to the Qing imperial court. After approval by Emperor Daoguang and issuance of an imperial edict, the archway was constructed.

The most captivating aspect of the stone archway is the exquisite bas-reliefs of classic Sichuan opera scenes, intricately carved on the lower two tiers. These reliefs center around the themes of "Loyalty, Filial Piety, Chastity, and Righteousness," depicting 169 iconic scenes from 48 traditional Sichuan operas, carved throughout the structure. Scholars have researched the 169 dramatic scenes depicted in the reliefs, identifying over 20 specific plays. The reliefs feature more than 570 figures, each with distinct facial features, vivid personalities, and lifelike expressions, showcasing the exceptional artistry of ancient Chinese stone carving. The selection of operas is rich and varied, including many ancient tales that have been widely loved through the ages. For example, "The Twelve Widows March West" (including "Mu Guiying Assumes Command") portrays the loyalty, chastity, and heroism of ancient women, showing that women can be as brave as men. "Mulian Rescues His Mother" and "An’An Delivers Rice" promote the ethical value that "filial piety is the foremost of all virtues." "Three Heroes Battle Lü Bu," "Zhao Yun Protects Adou Six Times," and "The Empty City Stratagem" celebrate the Chinese ideals of righteousness, wisdom, and bravery. "The Peach Banquet (Great Harmony Painting)" reflects people’s aspirations for happiness, prosperity, longevity, and joy.

Protected Area: 25 meters beyond the perimeter of the archway.

Construction Control Zone: 25 meters beyond the protected area.

Further Reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units