Dragon Mark Victory Gate

　　The Dragon Mark Victory Gate stands 12 meters tall and 7 meters wide. At its center is a large clay sculpture depicting Wang Shao-bo seeing off a guest, flanked by scenes representing the four seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The clay sculptures were made using the ancient “stacked modeling” technique, primarily using tung oil, lime, and glutinous rice. These exquisitely crafted, lifelike sculptures are rare in the world, making them the first wonder. What’s truly astonishing is that although the gate is over three zhang (approximately ten meters) high, it leans more than two chi (about 66 cm) toward the river yet remains standing—this is the second wonder. According to experts, its degree of inclination exceeds that of Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. At the center of the lintel is a compass pointing south at the top and north at the bottom, the reverse of the usual orientation—why this is so remains an enduring mystery, hence the third wonder. The Dragon Mark Victory Gate is an iconic landmark of Qianyang Ancient Town. In the old days, when boats spotted this gate, they knew they had arrived at Qianyang County.

　　Source: Qianyang Ancient Town