The Jieguanting Stone Archway

The Jieguanting Stone Archway

The Jieguanting Stone Archway

It was added during the renovation of Jieguanting in the 42nd year of the Qianlong reign (1777) by Magistrate Jiang Yuanshu to enhance the grandeur of receiving officials. It forms a complete architectural complex together with the Bell and Drum Tower, the Official Hall, and the Temple of the Wind God. The stone archway features a four-pillar, double-story, three-bay facade constructed from granite and blue volcanic tuff. The central horizontal plaque bears the inscription “Kun Wei Yong Dian” (Eternal Foundation of the Universe) on the front and “Ao Zhu Qing Tian” (The Turtle Pillar Holding Up the Sky) on the back. The spaces between the two crossbeams are inlaid with stone carvings of figures, while the lower section is engraved with patterns such as two dragons fighting over a pearl, all rendered with smooth and powerful lines.