Zhishi Xuanyue Memorial Archway, also known
as the Xuanyue Gate, was the first gate leading to the Wudang Mountain. Built in
1552 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the stone archway has four columns, three
small archways and five roofs. It is 30 meters high and 12.81 meters wide. Its
columns and beams are engraved or embossed with patterns, such as a crane flying
over clouds and the Chinese legend of the Eight Immortals. Located under the
square wood hanging between the columns are huge legendary turtles facing one
another. The roof ridge is decorated with ornaments and the square beams are
dotted with flower patterns. Leaning on the Wudang Mountain, the Xuanyue Gate
overlooks the Danjiang Reservoir and forms a fascinating landscape of lakes and
mountains.