Daoba Shi Pedestrian Street is one of the renowned historical and cultural districts in the ancient [...]
Daoba Shi Pedestrian Street is one of the renowned historical and cultural districts in the ancient city of Anqing, stretching approximately 200 meters in length and about 3 meters in width, with shops lining both sides and buildings maintaining the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
A distinctive feature of the pedestrian street is the Daoba Shi Arch, named after the inverted lions carved on the base of the arch. The arch was originally constructed during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty (1573-1619), facing east and west, and was originally a white marble arch with four pillars and three gates. The front of the arch is inscribed with ‘Imperial Censor’, and the back is engraved with ‘Minister of Works’.
The arch features relief sculptures of historical figures and is adorned with dragon patterns. On the upper part of the central pillars, there are intricate carvings of window lattices, and the base is carved with four inverted stone lions, with curly hair, round eyes, and open mouths, presenting a vivid image. Today, only the southern part of the arch remains, standing 5.4 meters high and 2.35 meters wide, with the lintel decorated with carved window lattices, cloud dragons, and figures.
In 1986, a cement arch was constructed at the west end of the street in imitation of the original. The street is open all day, every day from January 1st to December 31st.
