For centuries in China, archways were built as monuments to those who had extraordinary moral standards or had made remarkable contributions to the state. Most of these monuments were built from stone blocks. But there is one made out of brick - and it's still standing in Huantai county of east China's Shandong Province.

The imposing structure was built in the late Ming Dynasty about 400 years ago. The then Emperor ordered its construction in recognition of the excellent work performed by a defense minister. The archway measures fifteen meters in height and is nine meters wide. Besides coming with couplets and tablets written by a famous calligrapher, the brickwork is covered with exquisite relief sculptures.

(Xinhua News Agency April 3, 2004)