Zhongyi Archway in Lijiang Old Town
Overview
忠义牌坊 (Zhongyi Archway), also known as 石牌坊 (Stone Archway), is a magnificent and intricately carved stone structure located in Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南). It is widely renowned, with the saying, “Dali’s Three Pagodas, Lijiang’s Stone Archway.” This archway was constructed with the approval of Emperor Wanli (万历皇帝) during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), using white marble sourced from the banks of the Jinsha River (金沙江) at the Lower Hujump (下虎跳).
Located at the southwestern corner of the ancient city, 木府 (Mufu) is another significant landmark. During the Ming Dynasty, its architecture was magnificent. The famous traveler Xu Xiake (徐霞客) once praised Mufu, stating: “The beauty of the government office rivals that of a king.” Unfortunately, most of the buildings were destroyed in the military conflicts at the end of the Qing Dynasty (清朝), and the surviving archway was also damaged during the Cultural Revolution (文化大革命) from 1966 to 1976. After a major earthquake in 1996, the World Bank recognized the value of Mufu and provided a substantial loan to aid in its reconstruction. Skilled artisans in Lijiang meticulously designed and constructed the site, and after three years, Mufu was reborn like a phoenix from the ashes.
Basic Information
- Chinese Name: 忠义牌坊 (Zhongyi Archway)
- Other Name: 石牌坊 (Stone Archway)
- Location: 云南丽江 (Lijiang, Yunnan)
- Type: 大理三塔寺，丽江石牌坊 (Dali’s Three Pagodas, Lijiang’s Stone Archway)
- Builder: Approved by Emperor Wanli (万历皇帝)
- Dynasty: Ming Dynasty (明朝)
Introduction
The Zhongyi Archway was constructed with the approval of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, using white marble sourced from the Jinsha River at the Lower Hujump. The plaque is inscribed with the two characters “忠义” (Loyalty and Justice), granted by Emperor Shenzong (明神宗), along with a couplet from the local chief of the Mu family that reads: “凤诏每来红日近, 鹤书不到白云闲” (When the phoenix’s decree comes, the red sun is near; when the crane’s letter arrives, the white clouds are relaxed). This inscription beautifully illustrates the close relationship between a family living on the border and the royal family.
While visiting Mufu, look out for several inscriptions:
- “诚心报国” (Serve the Country with Sincerity, 1383)
- “辑宁边境” (Maintain Peace at the Borders, 1543)
- “乔木世家” (A Family of Tall Trees, 1560)
- “西北藩蓠” (Western Nobility, 1574)
- “益笃忠贞” (Increased Loyalty and Integrity, 1622)
These inscriptions were handwritten by various emperors of the Ming Empire. This honor has never been bestowed upon any other local chieftain family in such a remote area.
How to Get There
Upon arriving at Lijiang Airport (丽江机场), you can take the airport shuttle bus to Lijiang Passenger Station (丽江客运站). From there, board bus route 11 (11路环线), and after three stops, you will arrive at Zhongyi Market Station (忠义市场站), which is near the Zhongyi Archway.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect the local customs and traditions, especially in historical and cultural sites.
- What to Bring: A camera for capturing the architecture and inscriptions, comfortable shoes for walking, and water for hydration.
The Zhongyi Archway offers a rich glimpse into the history and culture of Lijiang and is a must-visit for anyone exploring this beautiful region of Yunnan Province.
