This century-old stone archway bears witness to the silent epic of 143 women.

While Zitong is known as the "Home of Han Dynasty Que Towers," this century-old archway in the county seat—the Zhenxiao Jielie Archway—is also worth a visit. It's very close to the famous Liye Que, a nationally protected cultural relic, so you can plan to see both. · A provincial-level cultural relic protection site, the Zhenxiao Jielie Archway was built in 1902, overseen by the then-magistrate Gui Liangcai. Standing 9.58m high and 8.12m wide, the four-pillar, three-bay, five-story archway features exquisite carvings and elegant calligraphy, making it a true artistic treasure. · The archway is adorned with patterns such as "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl" and "Two Phoenixes Facing the Sun," as well as reliefs depicting the "Twenty-Four Filial Piety" stories. Every detail showcases the superb craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The couplet, "Nine-bend River, Seven-bend Mountain, virtuous women are born with righteousness, striving to stand tall," is a timeless masterpiece. · Most importantly, the stone archway features a vertical plaque inscribed with "Imperial Grace and Commendation" above the main gate, and a horizontal plaque below it bearing the inscription "Zhenxiao Jielie Archway." The names of 143 women are engraved on the panel beneath the plaque. Each name represents a deeply moving story of a woman who either remained chaste after her husband's death or demonstrated utmost filial piety. · One particularly memorable woman featured on the archway is Lady Bai Wu. After losing her husband at the age of 28, she mourned him deeply, raised her son to become a successful scholar, and remained chaste for 45 years, becoming a role model in her time. Another is Wu Zhuannu, an 18-year-old woman who, after being harassed by a scoundrel, hanged herself. The imperial court erected an archway in her honor. These women dedicated their lives to embodying "zhenxiao jielie" (chastity, filial piety, and integrity). Their resilience and sacrifice command respect. · We visited the archway at dusk, and the setting sun cast a radiant glow upon it. I believe this archway is not only a microcosm of history but also a symbol of women's resilience. It reminds us that regardless of how times change, women's strength and dignity are always worth remembering. · 🏠 Name | Zhenxiao Jielie Archway 🎫 Tickets | Free ⛳ Address | Wenchang Road South Section, Zitong County, Mianyang City, about 120m north of the Jingkai District Kindergarten 🚗 Transportation | Navigate to "Zhenxiao Jielie Archway."