Yishi Liufang Archway (Jielie Archway)

Yishi Liufang Archway (Jielie Archway)

The Yishi Liufang Archway (Jielie Archway) is a cultural heritage site protected at the provincial level in Guangdong Province.

Also known as the Jielie Archway, the Yishi Liufang Archway is located in Longgang, Huliao Town, Dabu County. It was built in the second year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1737) to honor Madam Lan, the wife of Wu Boling. The archway has two tiers, is 7 meters in height and 5 meters in width, and is constructed with an earth-and-timber structure, featuring four pillars, three bays, and three stories. Supported by four main pillars, its left and right pillars are built of brick while the central two are wooden uprights, forming a large central gate flanked by two symmetrical smaller gates. The roof features upturned eaves in a pavilion style covered with gray tiles, and the top and bottom sections are formed by wooden beams and column brackets carved and arranged in parallel. The central bay displays two wooden plaques—one above inscribed with “Enrong” (Imperial Favor), and the reverse side engraved with “Zhenshao” (Chastity and Filial Piety). The lower plaque bears the four large characters “Yishi Liufang” (Fame Lasts for Generations) on both its front and back. On either side are carved motifs of clouds, dragons, and human figures. The craftsmanship is exquisite and the design simple yet elegant.

In her youth, Madam Lan was betrothed to Wu Boling, but before they could marry, Wu passed away. Following the traditional belief that “a woman follows her husband in life and death,” she observed three years of mourning and pledged never to remarry.

In June 1989, the People’s Government of Guangdong Province designated it as a cultural relics protection unit.

Huliao Town: A town under the jurisdiction of Dabu County and the county seat. It is a well-known hometown of overseas Chinese. Historical and archaeological evidence indicates that the center of the town was once a lake. In ancient times, people built huts by the lakeside for residence, hence the name Huliao (which can also be interpreted as “equal treatment,” reflecting the harmonious coexistence between local residents and newcomers, earning it the nickname “Tongren” or “People Together”). The administrative centers of both Yizhao and Wanchuan counties were located in Huliao Village (now Gucheng Village). Before the Qing Dynasty, it was called Tongren She; during the Republican era, it was organized as Tongren District. In 1949, it became Huliao District, later changed to township and commune. In the spring of 1961, after the county seat was moved back from Chayang to Huliao, it remained Huliao Commune. In 1983, Huliao District and Huliao Town were established separately, and in 1986, the district was merged into the town. Located in the central part of the county... More detailed information about Huliao Town++

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units