The Archway of Golden Sound and Jade Vibration

Construction Time and Location: It was built in 1538 (the 17th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty) inside the "Yangshengmen", the outer gate of the Confucius Temple in Qufu City, Shandong Province.

Architectural Features: It is a stone archway with three bays and four columns. Stone drums are placed on both sides for support. On top of the four octagonal stone columns are lotus - shaped thrones, and on each throne squats a simply - carved one - horned monster called "Pitianxie", commonly known as "Chaotianhou". On the lintel of the side bays, there are shallow carvings of dragons playing with pearls among the clouds. On the lintel of the central bay, there are four bold Chinese characters "Jin Sheng Yu Zhen" (Golden Sound and Jade Vibration) filled with color. These characters were inscribed by Hu Zuanzong, a famous calligrapher in the 17th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty.

Cultural Connotations: Mencius once commented on Confucius as "Confucius is the one who has achieved great integration." "Golden Sound" and "Jade Vibration" represent the entire process of playing music, starting with striking the bell ("Golden Sound") and ending with striking the chime stone ("Jade Vibration"). This symbolizes that Confucius' thoughts integrate the essence of ancient sages and worthies, and praises Confucius' great contributions to culture.