Ai Lake Gate Tower

　　The Ai Lake Gate Tower is situated on the central street of Ai Lake Village, Sangcun Town. Constructed in the early 20th century, it originally served as the grand entrance to the residence of Shi Anqing, a wealthy local landlord, and now functions as the entrance gate to the village committee building. This gate tower boasts a unique and refined architectural style, embodying elements of traditional Chinese culture. Above both sides of the gate are embedded pieces of handcrafted earthenware pottery, while the eaves are adorned with horizontal wood carvings. Below the door frame sits a door stopper, with a middle belt stone and an upper cap stone that together secure the structure firmly. Additionally, floral patterns and lush bamboo designs are carved onto the door stopper and belt stones respectively. The ridge of the gate tower and its two gable ends are crowned with six "Ha Ba Gou" open-mouthed mythical beast figures. Two symmetrical tiled rooms are built on either side of the main gate tower, highlighting its central presence and adding a finishing touch to the overall design. The pair of stone lions that once stood guard on either side of the gate have since gone missing.

　　According to villagers, there were originally eight main tiled rooms and nine side rooms to the west, which also functioned as shops facing the street. All bricks, tiles, and handcrafted earthenware were produced in kilns built by Shi Anqing on his own land south of the village, under his employment. (Compiled by Chen Yong and Wang Chengqian)

　　

　　Source: Sangcun Town Government Website