Yishi Shangshu Archway

　　Yishi Shangshu Archway is situated on the southern bank of Longchuan Stream in Longchuan Village, Jixi County. It has a four-pillar, three-gate, five-story design, standing 10 meters high, with a width of 9 meters and a depth of 3 meters. The structure is built from granite, with the entire framework slightly inclined inward, giving it a sense of stability and dignity. The main beam is intricately carved with animal motifs such as "two lions playing with a ball," "two dragons chasing a pearl," "deer in harmony," and "a roc spreading its wings." The carvings are exquisitely detailed and remarkably lifelike. These are further adorned with decorative patterns such as cloud motifs and ruyi designs, adding to the archway’s majestic and expressive appearance. The secondary beams feature finely carved scenes of pavilions, historical anecdotes, and auspicious theatrical stories, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship.

　　The archway was built in the 30th year of the Jiajing reign during the Ming Dynasty (1562) and exemplifies the classic Huizhou architectural style of the Ming period.

　　Background Information: Longchuan Village (now known as Dakoukou) is one of the oldest villages in Jixi and the ancestral home of the Hu family in the region. The Hu family produced two prominent ministers during the Ming Dynasty — Hu Fu, Minister of Revenue, and Hu Zongxian, Minister of War. Though their lifetimes were separated by 60 years, in accordance with the ancient Chinese saying that 60 years mark a full cycle (or “one huāzǐ”), the term “yìshì” (meaning successive generations) was used to refer to these two ministers of the Hu family, hence the name “Yishi Shangshu” or “Successive Generations of Ministers.”

　　Transportation

　　There is a direct bus to the Hu Clan Ancestral Hall, with a fare of 2 yuan. The archway can be seen right after getting off the bus.