Yuwu Memorial Archway

Yuwu Memorial Archway

The Yuwu Memorial Archway is a protected cultural heritage site of Dongguan City.

The Yuwu Memorial Archway is located at the entrance of Yuwu Village in Dongcheng District, Dongguan City. It was commissioned in the 41st year of the Wanli reign during the Ming Dynasty (1613) to honor Yu Shiqi and his son. The structure has undergone renovations during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, as well as in 1993 and 2000. The archway features four pillars, three bays, and three levels. The uppermost story is constructed with wooden materials and a traditional hip-and-gable roof, supported by bracket sets shaped like ruyi (scepters). One side of the plaque is inscribed with the Chinese characters for “Jinshi” (successful imperial examination candidate), and the other with “Ci’en” (Imperial Grace), both in large characters.

Yu Shiqi, a native of Yuwu Village in Dongguan, passed the imperial examination and earned the title of Jinshi in the 26th year of the Wanli reign (1598). He was appointed as the prefect of Ningguo, where he was known for his quick and accurate resolution of complex legal cases. He died while in office. His father, Yu Zongdan, was conferred the honorary title of Wenlin Lang by imperial decree in the 41st year of the Wanli reign (1613). In September of that same year, the construction of this memorial archway was officially sanctioned.

In 1989, the Dongguan Municipal People’s Government designated it as a cultural heritage protection unit.

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of Guangdong Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Units