
Xuguo Archway Shexian
China's sole eight-pillar honorary gateway, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone carving with intricate dragon and phoenix motifs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Xuguo Archway Shexian
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
China's sole eight-pillar honorary gateway, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty stone carving with intricate dragon and phoenix motifs.
"A rare and well-preserved marvel, the Xuguo Archway is a must-see for its unique design and exquisite carvings."

📸 Capture the Details
Take your time to appreciate the delicate carvings; early morning light is best for photography. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby Delights
Combine your visit with local eateries and other attractions in Shexian for a full experience. :forkandknifewithplate:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Eight-Pillar Marvel
Intersection of Zhonghe Street and Dagujing Street
China's only surviving eight-pillar honorary gateway, a testament to Ming Dynasty craftsmanship.

Intricate Stone Carvings
Entire Archway Structure
Marvel at detailed carvings of dragons, beasts, phoenixes, and birds adorning the massive stone slabs.

Grand Secretary Xu Guo's Legacy
Archway Inscription
Built in 1584, this archway honors Xu Guo, a Grand Secretary, showcasing historical significance.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Details
Take your time to appreciate the delicate carvings; early morning light is best for photography. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby Delights
Combine your visit with local eateries and other attractions in Shexian for a full experience. :forkandknifewithplate:
🏛️ Respect the History
This is a national key cultural relic, so treat it with care and respect its historical significance. :classical_building:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Details
Take your time to appreciate the delicate carvings; early morning light is best for photography. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore Nearby Delights
Combine your visit with local eateries and other attractions in Shexian for a full experience. :forkandknifewithplate:
🏛️ Respect the History
This is a national key cultural relic, so treat it with care and respect its historical significance. :classical_building:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Xuguo Archway as a unique and well-preserved historical monument, highlighting its status as China's only eight-pillar honorary gateway. The intricate stone carvings of dragons and mythical creatures are a major draw, offering a glimpse into Ming Dynasty artistry. While the archway itself is the main attraction, its location in Shexian allows for exploration of local culture and cuisine.
"The only eight pillar structure honorary gateway of its kind still exists in China. Worth your time to visit when visiting HuangShan area. Many tourist attractions and exquisite local delights nearby"
Cool So Cool
"A very special four-sided three-dimensional archway. Also known as the Grand Secretary Archway, commonly known as the Eight-legged Archway, it is located at the intersection of Zhonghe Street and Dagujing Street. It was built by Xu Guo, a Grand Secretary of Wuying Hall, in the 12th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1584 AD). Xu Guo Stone Archway is an outstanding representative of Huizhou stone archways, occupies a prominent position in the history of stone archway construction, and is a national key cultural relic protection unit."
Lei Zhang
"This rare eight-pillar archway stands 11.4 meters high, 11.56 meters long, and 6.77 meters wide. It is constructed from massive stone slabs, each weighing approximately five tons. Dragons and other beasts are intricately carved, and phoenixes and other birds soar in pairs above the archway's stone beams."
chung yen Chang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Xuguo Archway is located at the intersection of Zhonghe Street and Dagujing Street in Shexian. If you are visiting the Huangshan area, it's often included in tours or accessible by local bus or taxi from the main city. Many visitors combine it with other historical sites in Shexian.
Yes, its prominent location at a street intersection makes it relatively easy to find within Shexian. Look for the impressive stone structure.
Walking is often feasible for nearby sites in Shexian. For longer distances, local taxis or ride-sharing services are available. Some visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a national key cultural relic, access to the immediate area around the archway is generally free. However, some surrounding historical districts or related sites within Shexian might have separate entrance fees.
The archway is an outdoor monument and can be viewed at any time. However, for the best experience and to appreciate the carvings, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
Since it's an open monument, advance booking isn't typically required for the archway itself. If you are visiting as part of a guided tour or visiting other paid attractions in Shexian, booking those in advance might be necessary.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and highlighting the intricate stone carvings. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of the site and avoid using flash photography that could damage delicate carvings or disturb other visitors.
Try capturing the archway from the front to showcase its full width and the eight-pillar design. Also, get closer to photograph the detailed carvings of dragons and mythical creatures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Shexian is known for its exquisite local delights. You'll find numerous restaurants and eateries along Zhonghe Street and surrounding areas, offering regional specialties.
Look for Huizhou cuisine, which often features ingredients like bamboo shoots, tofu, and local river fish. Dishes like 'Mao Tofu' and various local noodle soups are popular.
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Deep Dives
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Historical Significance and Architecture
The archway is adorned with exquisite and delicate carvings. Intricate depictions of dragons and other mythical beasts are prominently featured, symbolizing power and good fortune. Above the stone beams, phoenixes and other birds soar in pairs, representing prosperity and harmony. The sheer scale and the detailed artistry of these carvings underscore the importance of the individual it honors and the era's craftsmanship. It's a prime example of Huizhou stone archway construction, holding a significant place in the history of such monuments.
Visiting and Experiencing the Archway
Beyond admiring the archway, visitors are encouraged to explore the surrounding area of Shexian, which is known for its other tourist attractions and exquisite local delights. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the region's history and culture. Many visitors find that combining a visit to the archway with a stroll through the local streets, sampling regional cuisine, and visiting nearby historical sites creates a fulfilling day trip. Remember to respect the historical significance of the archway and treat it with care.






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