Around Taishan Tour - The Archway of Everlasting Spring
Construction Time and Location: It was initially built in 1594 (the 22nd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty) and is located in the middle section of the Sacred Way of the Confucius Temple in Qufu City, Shandong Province. It was renovated in 1732 (the 10th year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty).
Architectural Features: It features a structure with six columns, five bays, and a five - story hip - roof, commonly known as the Five - Gate Archway. This architectural form was extremely rare in ancient imperial palaces and temples. Only the emperor's archway could be constructed to the specification of six columns and five bays. It is grand in scale and exquisitely carved.
Cultural Connotations: It implies that Confucius' thoughts and theories are like an ever - green tree, remaining eternal and being passed down through generations. It expresses people's admiration for Confucius and their respect for Confucian culture.
Taishan has accompanied the inheritance of Chinese civilization over the past five thousand years. It symbolizes the prosperity of the country and the survival of the nation. It is the spiritual home of the Chinese nation, a microcosm of Eastern culture, and a place where the idea of "harmony between man and nature" is entrusted. It carries rich geographical, historical, and cultural connotations. The ancients regarded it as a paradise "leading directly to the imperial throne", making it a sacred mountain worshipped by the common people and sacrificed to by emperors.
