Zhongxiao Lianjie Memorial Archway

Zhongxiao Lianjie Memorial Archway

The Zhongxiao Lianjie Memorial Archway is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangzhou City.

The Zhongxiao Lianjie Memorial Archway is located within the Li Clan Ancestral Hall in Banqiao Village, Nancun Town, Panyu District. Built in the 26th year of the Kangxi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1687), it is a stone structure consisting of four pillars, three gates, and three stories, serving as the ceremonial gate of the ancestral hall. The central bay is 3.40 meters wide, while the side bays are 1.80 meters wide. All four pillars are flanked by stone drums, and the eaves feature brick-carved dentil brackets and a dragon boat-shaped gray ridge. On both sides of the stone ceremonial gate are additional brick-built side gates, which are arched above. Stone plaques are inlaid with inscriptions; the central plaque on the front of the ceremonial gate reads “Zhongxiao Lianjie” (Loyalty, Filial Piety, Integrity, and Chastity), while the back reads “Hanqing Liuzhao” (Historical Record Illuminated), accompanied by the inscription “Reconstructed in the 31st Year of Qianlong.” The front plaques of the left and right side gates read “Guogan” (Pillar of the Nation) and “Jiaxing” (Model of the Family), while the backs read “Cun’ai” (Preserve Love) and “□□.” The lintels of the side bays on the ceremonial gate feature inscribed tablets of praise on both the front and back. On the front, the left tablet was inscribed by Yu Yao and Lu Wenshao in honor of Li Suqiu, and the right by Weng Fanggang in honor of Li Tianxing; on the back, the left was inscribed by Ling Yu in honor of Li Zhan and Li Heling, and the right by Li Qianxue in honor of Li Daoniang and Lady Ling. The lintels of the side bays also bear inscribed tablets of commendation.

In 1989, the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government designated it as a cultural relic protection unit.

Banqiao Village: Banqiao Village is located northeast of Nancun Town, approximately 1 kilometer from the Nancun Town government. Adjacent natural villages include Nancun to the south, Luobian Village to the east, Shitou Village to the north, and Bohou to the west. Banqiao Village was established during the Song Dynasty. It earned its name because it was surrounded by rivers and streams, and communication with neighboring villages mainly relied on wooden plank bridges. Banqiao was the hometown of Li Suqiu, an official who resisted the Qing invasion during the late Ming Dynasty and a renowned poet of Guangdong. As the couplet at the entrance of the Li Clan Ancestral Hall reads: “A family of five eminent officials, four generations of seven local worthies.” During the Ming Dynasty, there were Jinshi (advanced scholars) such as Li Chongshi, and Juren (presented scholars) such as Li Zhan, Li Zishen, Li Zhaao, and Li Chongchi; there were also anti-Qing heroes like Li Suqiu and Li Suqi... More detailed information about Banqiao Village ++