Hsiao's Martyr's Shrine Introduction
The Hsiao Family Filial Piety Archway is located in the alley behind Yonghe Hospital. Due to its long history and changes in the surrounding environment, many residential houses can be found nearby, creating a unique scenery where the historic archway blends with modern homes. The Hsiao Family Filial Piety Archway is the only single-room, two-column, two-story archway in Taiwan and is also the smallest stone archway in terms of structure. The archway is inscribed with the characters for "filial piety and chastity." It was originally built to honor women who displayed loyalty and virtue; specifically, those whose husbands passed away before they turned 30 and who remained chaste without remarrying until they reached the age of 50. The recognition process involved the local government awarding thirty taels of silver to eligible women or their families, who could then build the archway in their community. The Hsiao Family Filial Piety Archway serves to commemorate the filial piety deeds of the Hsiao family and is currently the only surviving filial piety archway in Tainan City.
