Here stand the Meixi Royal Stones Archways. These archways are a testament to a remarkable man and a fascinating blend of cultures. The Meixi Royal Stones Archways stand in Meixi Village. The scenic area covers 126,000 square meters. It includes the archways, Chen Fang’s former residence, and the Chen’s Garden and Cemetery.
What exactly are these archways? In China, archways called Paifang commemorate virtuous people. The Meixi Memorial Archways honor Chen Fang. Chen Fang was the first Chinese consul general in Honolulu. Born in Meixi Village, he journeyed to Honolulu to make his fortune. Through hard work, he became the first Chinese millionaire on Oahu.
In 1890, Chen Fang returned to his hometown. He helped the village. Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty wanted to commend Chen Fang. So, in 1886 and 1891, he commissioned artisans to construct four archways. Today, three remain.
These three Meixi Royal Stones Archways stand abreast. Each granite archway is about 12 meters high and 12.2 meters wide. Four strong pillars support each archway. The roof structure resembles that of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. The archway heads bear inscriptions. They read “leshan haoshi” meaning “ready to help others” and “zhongcheng” meaning “loyal”. Carvings of flowers, animals, and calligraphy adorn the pillars and roofs. Unlike traditional archways, the Meixi Archways incorporate Western decorative designs. They represent a fusion of Chinese architecture and Western style.
To the right lies Chen Fang’s former residence. It spans 5742 square meters. It features a memorial temple, chambers, a hall, a villa, the Meixi temple, and an ancestral temple. The residence resembles a manor with plants, trees, fencing, and sentry buildings. Today, the residence hosts exhibitions. These exhibits showcase traditional arches, waxworks of Zhuhai figures, Chen’s family history, and Chinese art.
In front of the residence are Chen’s Garden and Cemetery. Covering 72,000 square meters, you can see a nearly century-old stele. It reads “shengjingjiacheng” meaning “a fascinating place.” Trees from Hawaii, planted by Chen Fang, still thrive. An eight-angled pavilion, a rock path, and a lotus pool create a harmonious scene.
The Meixi Royal Stones Archways combine Chinese architecture with Zhuhai’s local customs. They offer visitors a glimpse into Chinese culture. This site was designated a “Special protection item of old architecture” by Guangdong. These Meixi Royal Stones Archways stand as a symbol of East meets West. They represent the legacy of Chen Fang, a man who bridged cultures. They also embody the spirit of Zhuhai.