Shaosimafang Archway

　　Located in downtown Zhongxiang City, it was built during the Ming Dynasty from blue stone in imitation of wood. The six-pillared, five-bay archway consists of three tiers: the top tier has a single-eave hipped roof resembling a small pavilion, beneath which the vertical inscription “Enrong” (Imperial Favor) is carved; the middle tier horizontally displays the words “Shaosima” (Junior Minister of War), flanked by a second-tier roof; the lower tier consists of square gate pillars with two drum-shaped pedestals and four stone lions at their bases. The three central crossbeams are adorned with bas-relief carvings featuring motifs such as phoenixes, peonies, dragons playing with pearls, fish leaping through the Dragon Gate, and cranes among pine trees symbolizing longevity. (Fourth Batch)

　　Source: Hubei Provincial Bureau of Cultural Relics