The "Qiyi Xielao" Archway

　　The "Qiyi Xielao" Archway is located to the south of Chengguan Town. It was built in the sixth year of the Daoguang reign (1826) as a centenarian memorial archway to commend the couple Xiong Yongzuo for reaching old age together, celebrating their centennial marriage, and having five generations under one roof. Oriented from north to south, it features four pillars, three bays, and three stories, constructed from white cotton stone. It stands approximately 10 meters tall and is about 13 meters wide. The southern face bears a horizontal inscription in intaglio regular script reading "Qiyi Xielao" (Growing Old Together), while the northern face has the inscription "Baishou Tongdeng" (Reaching 100 Together). There are two pairs of couplets on the archway. On the southern side: “A hundred-year-old couple with harmonious brows; five generations of descendants gathered at their knees.” “Five generations rejoicing in filial plans, spanning thirty-six thousand days, with both parents thriving; one family honored with the lotus emblem, covering a journey of seven thousand and two, adorned with imperial favor.” These were composed by Wen Ying, who was acting Deputy Commander of Pingyuan Garrison and Deputy Commander of Songtao Garrison as well as hereditary commander. On the northern side: “The couple celebrates a century of life, honored with imperial decree that glorifies their name; the family prays for double longevity, leisurely leaning on a cane to watch their children and grandchildren.” These were written by Sun Qiyi, who was promoted from Deputy Commander of Pingyuan Garrison to Commander-in-Chief of Nanxiong in Guangdong. The base is square. The roof is in the form of a stone-carved hip-and-gable roof. The carving work mainly consists of high relief, featuring themes such as “The God of Longevity Riding a Crane,” “The Queen Mother of the West Riding a Phoenix,” “The Eight Immortals Paying Homage to Longevity,” “The Goddess Magu Offering Auspiciousness,” “Dragons Playing in Water,” “The Vermilion Bird Facing the Sun,” “A Deer Holding a Lingzhi Mushroom,” “Pine and Crane Sharing Spring,” “Fortune and Longevity,” “Wealth in Old Age,” and “Good Fortune and Peace.” It was destroyed in 1966.