Tangyue Archways: Walking Through Centuries of Hui Culture
The Tangyue Archways, also known as the “Tangyue Memorial Archways”, locates in Tangyue Village, Zhengcun Town, Shexian County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, represents one of China’s most extraordinary collections of ancient stone monuments.
In this ancient village in Anhui, there is a cluster comprising seven stone memorial archways, with three dating back to the Ming Dynasty and four from the Qing Dynasty. Each was built in relation with a moving story of Bao family of Tangyue and vividly reveals in one way or another the moral values of Confucianism. In recent years, it became one of the well-known attractions in Huangshan City.
Shexian Tangyue Archways’ Facts
History of the Tangyue Archways
A memorial archway (Paifang), are architectural forms embodying traditional Chinese culture, typically constructed during the feudal era with imperial approval to honor meritorious deeds. In Huizhou, archways, Hui-style architecture, and ancestral halls are hailed as the “Three Masterpieces” of ancient Chinese architecture.
Building archways represented the highest aspiration for ancient Chinese people, bringing immense glory not only to individuals and their families but also ensuring the names of their forebears would be immortalized for posterity.
Among all the Hui-style archways and Huangshan City’s attractions, the Tangyue Memorial Archways still stands out with its unique charm. They are all with delicate carvings. Here are seven memorial arches line the ancient road, three from the Ming Dynasty and four from the Qing Dynasty to honor the Bao family’s virtues of “loyalty, filial piety, chastity, and righteousness,” which inspired by the Confucian ethics, bearing witness to over three centuries of Huizhou merchant development.
Beside the archway complex stand two ancestral halls of Bao’s family, which was a prominent family in Tangyue Village. Dunben Hall, also known as the Bao Branch Ancestral Hall and commonly called the Male Ancestral Hall, is grand in scale.
And Qingyitang Hall, also known as the Bao Family Women’s Ancestral Hall, is exceptionally unique. It was specifically built to honor the chaste and virtuous women of the Bao lineage throughout history.
>> Recommended China Women Travel & Tours
What to See and Do at Tangyue Archways
Your Huangshan travel with the Tangyue Archways is more than just viewing the stone monuments. Here are some items worth viewing and trying in Tangyue memorial archways.
>> Recommended 4 Days Huangshan Discovery Tour
Explore the Bao Family’s Ancestral Halls
A visiting can start with Bao family’s ancestral hall. The Dunben Hall (Male Hall) showcases classic Huizhou architecture with its wooden beams and columns, reflecting the illustrious prestige of the Bao family..And the Female Hall: Qingyi Hall is the only ancestral hall for women in China. It commemorated the women of Bao family who also made sacrifices and contributions to the glory of the Huizhou merchan, offering insight into their historical social roles.Learn the History about Different Archways
There are 7 archways in the Tangyue Village. The most noteworthy are these 2 archways.Cixiao archway
Cixiao archway is of the highest level among the 7 archways. Built in A.D. 1420, is 8.57 meters wide and 9.6 meters high. It was established by Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di, to honor the filial devotion of the father-son pair Bao Yuyan and Bao Shouxun—recluses from the late Song Dynasty who fought to the death during wartime.
In Qing Dynasty, upon hearing this story during his southern tour, Emperor Qianlong joyfully composed the couplet: “In this village of filial piety and kindness, Unmatched under heaven lies the first township of the splendid Jiangnan.” He then allocated silver to restore the “Cixiao Village” archway, engraving his imperial couplet upon it.
Bao Shufang Father & Son Archway
Bao Shufang Father & Son Archway, also named as Generous and charitable Archway was built in A.D. 1820, is 11.82 meters wide and 11.70 meters high. The archway was built to honor Bao Shufang and his son Bao Jun.
During the Huai River flood disaster, Bao Shufang donated 5,000 taels of silver, equivalent to approximately one billion yuan today, and established free schools, repaired bridges and paved roads, and aided the poor and needy with his son Bao Jun. The emperor granted an edict to erect a commemorative archway in recognition of their benevolence and generosity.
Visit the Bao Family Garden
Located just 500 meters away, this classical Chinese garden was once the private retreat of the Bao family. It is renowned for its exquisite collection of bonsai (penjing), and become China’s largest private garden and bonsai viewing destination.Best Time to Visit
The Tangyue Archways offers a different perspective in each season. For the best time to visit, the most pleasant times to visit are during the mild weather of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November).
During spring, the countryside comes alive with green fields and blooming rapeseed flowers, creating a beautiful contrast with the grey stone archways.
For autumn, it provides clear, comfortable weather and golden-hued landscapes,when you will enjoy the vast rape flowers in the fields.
>> Learn more about Huangshan weather
How to Get to Tangyue Archways
The most straightforward option for travelers is to take the buses. Travelers are recommended to take Bus No.1 or Bus No.2 from Shexian County directly to the Tangyue Archways.Enjoy a Exploratory Journey together with Easy Tour China
The Tangyue Archways are a highlight among the many cultural treasures in Huangshan City. In fact, you can explore different ancient villages in China with Easy tour China, such as Xidi and Hongcun ancient villages in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, to fully immerse yourself in the region’s beauty and history. Here are some suggested suggested Huangshan tour itineraries that included the Tangyue Archways.
