Xizai Filial Piety Archway in Mile City, Honghe
Overview
The Xizai Filial Piety Archway (息宰节孝坊) is located 500 meters northeast of Xizai Village (息宰村), Xizai Township (息宰乡), Mile City (弥勒市), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is a memorial archway dedicated to the virtuous character of Yan’s wife, the wife of the Qing dynasty scholar Zhang Erhe (张尔翮).
Name
- Chinese Name: 息宰节孝坊
- Type: Filial Piety Archway
- Protection Level: Cultural Heritage Unit of Mile County
Geographic Location
- Coordinates: 500 meters northeast of Xizai Village, Mile City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Structure
The archway is made of blue stone, measuring 6.3 meters wide, 6 meters high, and 1.5 meters deep. It features a heavy eave, four columns, and three openings, with crouching lions on either side. The central plaque bears the inscription “圣旨旌表” (Imperial Edict Honor). The intricate carvings of the archway were designated a cultural heritage unit in 1983.
Geography and Climate
Honghe Prefecture is situated on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by its limestone mountains, plateaus, valleys, basins, and hills. The region experiences significant altitude variations and complex terrain, with ample precipitation and sunlight. The climate is primarily subtropical highland monsoon, with humid conditions and minimal temperature variation throughout the year.
Due to its location on the Tropic of Cancer, temperatures and humidity levels increase from north to south. The rainy season occurs mainly from May to October, while the frost period lasts from late November to February. Therefore, the best times to visit Honghe Prefecture are in March-April and September-November when the weather is milder and drier.
Yan Family Filial Piety Archway
The Yan Family Filial Piety Archway (闫氏节孝坊) is also located in Xizai Village and was erected in the ninth year of the Daoguang Emperor’s reign (道光九年) by Yan, the wife of local scholar Zhang Erhe. This structure features blue stone architecture, a three-gable roof with stone brackets under the eaves.
The main hall originally displayed an imperial plaque inscribed with “圣旨旌表” (Imperial Edict Honor), which has since been stolen. The archway features a pair of stone lions and four pairs of drums at its base. The front and back of the main beam have inscriptions celebrating filial piety and virtue, with high artistic value. Aside from the stolen plaque, the rest of the stone carvings remain well-preserved.
This archway is one of only three ancient stone archways remaining in Mile City, alongside the Hongxi “Three Generations, One Product” arch and the “Benevolent and Charitable” arch in Wushan Township (五山乡).
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: March-April and September-November to avoid the rainy season.
- What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera for photography, and water.
- Cultural Respect: As this is a historical site, maintain respect for the structure and surrounding areas.
How to Get There
To reach the Xizai Filial Piety Archway, you can drive or take public transportation to Mile City. From the city center, head northeast towards Xizai Village, which is a short drive away. Local taxis are also available for convenience.
Nearby Attractions
- Mile City (弥勒市): Known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage.
- Honghe Prefecture (红河州): Explore other cultural and natural attractions within the region.
Visiting the Xizai Filial Piety Archway offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and cultural significance of filial piety in Chinese society.
