Three majestic granite archways stand before you. These are the Meixi Royal Stone Archways a testament to a remarkable chapter in Zhuhai’s history. They were built in 1886 and 1891 by order of the Guangxu Emperor. This honor was bestowed upon Chen Fang and his family. Chen Fang a successful merchant was the first Chinese consul in Honolulu Hawaii. He became incredibly wealthy. He was the first Chinese millionaire on the island of Oahu.
The Meixi Royal Stone Archways are more than just impressive structures. They represent a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. Notice the intricate carvings. They depict animals representing luck and fortune. Mottos such as ‘leshan haoshi’ meaning ‘ready to help others’ and ‘zhongcheng’ meaning ‘loyal’ are also inscribed. These inscriptions highlight Chen Fang’s importance to the Empire. The archways are a symbol of his virtue and high standing.
The archways are part of a larger complex. This includes Chen Fang’s former residence. It spans 5742 square meters. The residence is like a manor. It features lush gardens brick fencing and sentry buildings. Within the residence you’ll find a Chen’s memorial temple large chambers a hall a villa and temples. Today it hosts exhibitions showcasing Chinese traditional Paifang Zhuhai’s famous figures and Chinese painting and calligraphy.
Chen Fang’s garden and cemetery lie in front of the residence. This expansive 72000 square meter area boasts century-old trees. These trees were brought from Hawaii by Chen Fang himself. They remain vigorous. The garden also features an eight-angled pavilion rock-paved paths and a serene lotus pool. A stele erected nearly a hundred years ago stands proudly. It is carved with the words ‘shengjingjiacheng’ meaning ‘a fascinating place’. It’s a fitting description for the entire Meixi Royal Stone Archways area.
The Meixi Royal Stone Archways are a protected historical site. The Guangdong provincial government designated them as a ‘Special protection item of old architecture’ in 1989. This beautiful location combines traditional Chinese architecture local customs and stunning natural beauty. It offers a unique glimpse into Chinese culture. It’s no wonder it’s a popular destination for relaxation and sightseeing.