Granite archways
An imperial honour.
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A historic complex in Meixi village tied to the story of Chun Afong (about 1825–1906), a son of the village who emigrated to Hawaii in 1849 and built a great fortune there in trade, shipping and sugar plantations, becoming Hawaii's first Chinese millionaire and holding posts in its kingdom, before returning to his village in 1890. The best-known sight is the royal stone archways, huge granite memorial gateways granted by the Guangxu Emperor to honour Chun Afong's charity; four were built and three remain, carved with phrases praising his generosity and public spirit, the oldest dating from 1886. Beside them stands the family residence, built from 1891 over six years, blending the southern Lingnan style with Western touches in its columns and arched windows, with the family memorial hall, the houses of his sons and a watchtower; the complex became a protected national monument in 2006. Tickets cost about CNY 50, often less when booked online, and it opens from 9:00 to 17:30, per visitor guides.
An imperial honour.
Southern and Western style.
From village to world.
Meixi community, Fengshan Street, Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai
A son of Meixi village who emigrated to Hawaii in 1849, became its first Chinese millionaire and returned home in 1890; the Guangxu Emperor granted him the stone archways to honour his charity.