The dilapidated memorial archway of Chinese ancient buildings

Memorial archway is a common characteristic architectural form in ancient Chinese architecture. It first appeared during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. It is a unique arched building, usually constructed from stone or wood. Usually set at the entrance of important places such as city gates, ancestral halls, and cemeteries, it has symbolic significance and commemorative functions. The structural features include three parts: lintels, columns, and crossbeams. The architrave is the top part of the memorial archway, usually carved with patterns and words; The columns are the columns supporting the memorial archway, which can be single columns or multiple columns; The crossbeam connects two columns, serving to stabilize and reinforce them. It has become one of the representatives of traditional Chinese architecture.