Xuguo Stone Memorial Archway

 

 

 

Xuguo Stone Memorial Archway is the state-level cultural protection site. It is located in the downtown of Shexian County. It is the rare and typical stone memorial archway of Ming dynasty. It was established in 1584, and is publicly called Eight-Foot Pailou. It is 11.54 long, 6.77 wide and 11.4 high. This memorial archway was used for commemorating Xue Guo who was a high-level official in Ming dynasty. On the memorial archway, there are the inscriptions showing its post or status in Ming Dynasty, the characters are written by Dong Qichang, the calligraphist of Ming dynasty. This stone memorial archway is the wood-like architecture. The inside and outside of the east, south, west and north are all decorated with many delicate pictures. In the south, the picture of flying dragon is symbolizing the emperor. Many special pictures on four sides are meaning significantly. Its grandness as the national treasure lets it become Oriental Triumphal Arch.