Qianpai Tower Stone Archway

　　The Qianpai Tower Stone Archway is situated on Qianpai Tower Street, facing east-west and standing right along the street. It was constructed during the Zhengde and Jiajing eras of the Ming Dynasty. This is a white marble stone archway with a four-pillar, three-gate design. The central gate now only retains its stone pillars, standing 4.45 meters tall. The eastern side features a pair of drum stones, measuring 2.1 meters in length, 0.8 meters at their widest point, and 0.17 meters in thickness. The two side gates to the north and south are largely well-preserved. The lintels employ various carving techniques such as high relief, low relief, and openwork, featuring motifs including ruyi (scepter), swirls, lotus petals, auspicious beasts, flowers and plants, diamonds, triangles, and cloud patterns. The designs balance solid and void elements, combining complexity with simplicity, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. This archway was formerly known as the “Grand Minister’s Archway” and was built by Qian Rujing, Minister of Justice during the Ming Jiajing era and a native of Tongcheng.

　　7 meters. The northern and southern side gates are largely intact, with the lintels featuring a variety of carving methods including high relief, bas-relief, and openwork. They are adorned with patterns such as ruyi (good fortune scepters), swirls, lotus petals, mythical beasts, flora, diamond shapes, triangles, and cloud forms. The decorative layout alternates between solid and open spaces, balancing intricate and simple elements, demonstrating highly refined artistry. Originally named the “Grand Secretary Archway,” it was commissioned by Qian Rujing, who served as Minister of Justice in the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty and was from Tongcheng.