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Paifang, also called Pailou in Chinese, is very
Chinese architecture. Actually a Paifang is an archway usually
 made
of fine wood or stone, well painted and with glazed tiles
sometimes, for memory and decoration. On its middle beams,
moral inscriptions by certain calligraphist, mostly preaching
some norms, often can be seen. Usually, these so-called memorial
structures stand in downtown areas, or before entrances of
mausoleums, temples, bridges and parks.
Functions
Though
Paifang is deemed as memorial architecture, it has other functions
- marking, decorating, honoring and spacing. Not all these
archways possess all the functions, however rich cultural
connotations can be explained.
Cultural
facts
First,
Paifang or Pailou reflects p eople's
life aspirations in feudal times, which usually can be read
from inscriptions on the beams.
It exhibits folk customs of ancient China. Building Paifang
was an important folklore in feudal society, while the structure
itself was a carrier of ancient social customs.
Paifang presents perfect harmony of ancient Chinese architectural
modeling art and sculpting art, which both enjoy long history
and attract interests of the world for their unique styles
and artistic value.
The
sacred emotions of the ancient Chinese rested on Paifang too.
 Erecting
a Paifang was a very solemn event. Various emotions, praising,
honoring, commemorating, praying or blessing were materialized
through those beautiful arches.
The structure mirrors feudal ethics and traditional norms
in ancient China. As a physical architecture of those ethics
and norms, various Paifangs, such as chastity Paifang (mostly
for widowed women exclusively), loyalty Paifang and filial
piety Paifang, were set up all around.
Paifang
witnesses history. Many a Paifang was built to commemorate
historical events and important historic figures, thus those
structures, are of great importance in the research of Chinese
history. Paifang has long become a symbol of China for its
long history, rich connotation and unique art value.
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