“Leshan Haoshi” Archway (Imperial Edict Archway)

“Leshan Haoshi” Archway (Imperial Edict Archway)

The “Leshan Haoshi” Archway (Imperial Edict Archway) is a cultural relic protection unit of Guangdong Province.

The archway resembles a pavilion and was originally a structure used for decoration or celebration. However, in feudal society, the archway was a symbol of supreme honor and authority. It was erected by successive rulers to commend virtuous officials, chaste widows, meritorious families, and noble lineages. Erecting an archway was an act of recognizing virtue, receiving imperial grace, and achieving everlasting fame— the highest pursuit in one’s life. The massive stone archways are not only rare artistic treasures but also reflect the historical rise and fall of prominent families. Nowadays, as long as one has money, anyone can build an archway, and almost every village in Guangzhou has one— people have become so accustomed to them that they no longer find them unusual. However, in Longtan Village, Haizhu District, there stands a “Leshan Haoshi” Archway. This archway was built by imperial decree and bears the two characters “圣旨” (Imperial Edict), hence it is also called the “Imperial Edict Archway.” Such archways are quite rare in Guangzhou, which is why they were once the object of admiration and reverence. Today, it has become one of the historical relics of Guangzhou. An archway represents a piece of history; an archway tells a story. The archway in Longtan Village was built to honor Bai Lunseng. Bai Lunseng (1823–1893), originally named Jing and styled Lunseng, with the alias Jinxiian, was a native of Longtan Village in Haizhu District. In his youth, his family was poor. From the age of 15, he worked as a handyman at a foreign firm opened by his uncle in Guangzhou. He was honest, intelligent, diligent, and eager to learn, and within a few years, he became quite familiar with the operations of the firm.

One day in the 21st year of the Daoguang reign (1841), while Lunseng was left in charge of the firm, a British merchant urgently needed to supply goods to clients in Southeast Asia and offered 10,000 taels of silver on the spot for immediate delivery. Lunseng did not dare to make the decision himself, but the merchant pleaded desperately. Following the format used by his uncle, Lunseng signed a contract with the merchant. When his uncle returned and learned of this, he was furious and fired Lunseng from the shop. With no way out, Lunseng lingered near the firm. Seeing this, the British merchant took out 10,000 taels of silver as a deposit and encouraged Lunseng to start his own business. Thus, Lunseng opened a shop called “Yuesheng,” dealing in firecrackers. Due to his capable management and integrity, his business flourished. Later, he opened more than ten shops and became a local tycoon.

Lunseng was known for his philanthropy. He founded the Aiyu Charitable Hall in Guangzhou; annually allocated funds to support the Convenience Hospital (now the First People’s Hospital of Guangzhou) and the Four Temples Charitable Hall; and regularly provided porridge, clothing, coffins, and other necessities to the poor. In the 12th year of the Tongzhi reign (1873), dozens of tenant farmers surnamed Chen, Lu, and Wu from Longtan lost their harvest due to disasters and were unable to pay their full rent. They were forced to relocate by local thugs, and their thatched huts and all belongings were burned to ashes. Lunseng donated 72 acres of land free of charge, along with construction materials, clothing, food, cooking utensils, and silver, enabling them to rebuild their homes. The new settlement was named Xijiao Village. In the 19th year of the Guangxu reign (1893), the villagers of Xijiao built a “Gratitude Shrine” in the village and erected a statue of Lunseng for worship. In the 16th year of the Guangxu reign, when a major flood struck Hunan, Lunseng donated a large sum to provide relief. Lunseng was also deeply committed to cultural and educational causes. In the 8th year of the Guangxu reign (1882), he initiated the establishment of the “Xingren Academy” in Longtan Village. After its completion, he donated additional land and 2,167 taels of silver to establish an academy fund, allowing all village children to study for free. In recognition of Bai Lunseng’s outstanding contributions and good reputation, the Viceroy of Liangguang petitioned the imperial court to commend and honor him. Emperor Guangxu bestowed upon him a plaque inscribed with “Leshan Haoshi” (Praiseworthy for Charity) and granted him the official title of “Zhidao Yuan” (Associate Provincial Education Commissioner). The villagers subsequently built the archway to honor and commemorate Lunseng.

The archway consists of a main pavilion, two side pavilions, two wing pavilions, and a hip-and-gable roof, forming a four-pillar, five-bay, three-door style structure. Its pillars rest on stone bases. It is approximately 8.6 meters high and 8.2 meters wide. The central horizontal plaque bears the four large characters “Leshan Haoshi” (Praiseworthy for Charity). On the right is inscribed “Presented by Li, Viceroy of Liangguang, in the 2nd month of the 17th year of Guangxu,” and on the left, “Bai Jinxiian, holder of the official rank of Zhidao Yuan, built this archway for his parents, Bai Yaode (awarded the second-rank official title) and his wife Bai Moshì (a titled lady).” At the center of the hip-and-gable roof are engraved the two characters “圣旨” (Imperial Edict). An archway bearing the words “Imperial Edict” could never be forged. There is only one such archway in Haizhu District, making it even more distinguished and valuable.

Because the archway is made of granite, which is very hard, and thanks to the villagers’ deep affection and protection, it has remained well-preserved despite over 100 years of exposure to sun and rain. The inscriptions on it remain clear and striking. Although this archway may not be as grand as the Meixi Archway in Zhuhai or as solemn as the Tangyue Archway in Anhui, it exudes an undeniable sense of dignity. Today, this archway, along with the Bai Gong Ancestral Hall in the village and the newly built Longtan Village Archway, remains a source of pride as cultural heritage sites and landmark structures. It serves as a living history textbook for the village. It can be expected that as promotion of the “Cultural Haizhu” initiative deepens, and with the opening of Jianghai Avenue, the Xinguang Expressway, and the widening of Xinjiao East Road, this “Imperial Edict Archway”—this pearl—along with its surrounding bridges, flowing water, lush trees, and shaded paths, will be discovered, appreciated, and cherished by more and more people living in concrete jungles.

Source: Archives Bureau of Haizhu District

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